The first centre of higher learning which atarted functioning in Thodupuzha Taluk was the Newman College. It was established in 1964 by the Diocese of Kothamangalam, and named after Cardinal Newman, one of the all-time greats in the field of higher education.It was established to fulfil the need for a central institution that imparts higher education to thousands of students stepping out of the numerous high schools in and around Thodupuzha. The college was inaugurated on 10th July, 1964, by His Excellency Rt.Rev.Mathew Pothanamuzhi, the patron and founder of the college and the Bishop of Kothamangalam. The college got going with a first batch of 400 students in the furst year Pre Degree class. Degree courses were started in 1967 and P.G.courses in 1984. Today, with over 3200 students on its rolls, it is a leading light of knowledge in the backward District of Idukki. Following in the footsteps of Cardinal Newman, it aims at the total development of good and responsible citizens with intellectual excellence, integrity of character, commitment to the society and , above all, love of God.

The second college of Thodupuzha was esatablished in 1982 -St.Joseph's College at Arakkulam. Besides these a number of parallel colleges are also active in the field of higher education in Thodupuzha. It must be pointed out that many of them maintain very high academic standards.