Purpose : This paper aims to investigate the relationship between relationship commitment and student loyalty, and the key determinants of relationship commitment in private higher education. Design/methodology/approach : A quantitative research study using questionnaire was adopted to examine the key factors affecting relationship commitment and the relationship between relationship commitment and student loyalty. 480 copies of questionnaire in Likert scales were distributed to current private higher education students in one of the largest education provider. A total of 444 valid questionnaire copies were collected which provided a response rate of approximately 92.5%. Findings : The study gives a valuable insight into how students perceive factors of relationship commitment and the relationship between relationship commitment and student loyalty. The results indicate that relationship commitment has positive and strong influence on student loyalty, and relationship benefits, relationship termination costs, and shared values have positive influence on relationship commitment. Among these three determinants, the construct of relationship benefits is found to be the most important factor affecting relationship commitment. Research limitations/implications : As the study involved students from one private higher education institution, the results cannot be generalized to the private education as a whole. Originality/value : The research successfully applied and studied marketing concepts in private higher education, which has previously not been discussed. It provides useful insight to the management of private higher education in building relationship with students and resources allocation.