Temple University
Temple University is a public university in Philadelphia, PA ranked #519 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 21,249 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 82.9%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 83.4% first-year retention, and 74.7% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $29,219, about $12,221 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -56.5%, roughly 141.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,860. That's about $7,172 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Temple University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Temple University graduates 74.7% of students within six years and keeps 83.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Temple University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $22,082 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,968 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,466 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $39,799 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 30.1% of Temple University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $23,080 to $34,632 depending on family income. Use Temple University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $31,578/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,632/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,860
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,860
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.5%
- Employment Rate 85.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Temple University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Temple University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Temple University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Temple University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Temple University graduates earn $50,860 median, the -56.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 21,249
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 83.4%
- Graduation Rate 74.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Temple University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Temple University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 82.9%, Temple University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 82.9% acceptance rate, Temple University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Temple University undergraduates. Finance and Financial Management Services, Computer and Information Sciences, General, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.5%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 5.1%
- Psychology, General 5.1%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 5.0%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 4.6%
- Marketing 4.6%
See more majors
- Biology, General 3.8%
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $104,762
- 2. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $103,049
- 3. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $102,736
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Insurance $94,228
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $92,650
- 6. Mechanical Engineering $87,733
- 7. Mathematics and Computer Science $86,109
- 8. Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians $84,373
- 9. Civil Engineering $83,575
- 10. Finance and Financial Management Services $82,053
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $164,874
- 2. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Master's Degree) $142,319
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $138,380
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $136,928
- 5. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $136,420
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $132,363
- 7. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $128,328
- 8. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $123,016
- 9. Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degree) $121,289
- 10. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $118,242
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $104,762—28% more than Finance and Financial Management Services ($82,053). Graduate: Dentistry programs lead with $164,874 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Temple University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 375 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 353 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 353 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 346 graduates)
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 314 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (84 programs)▼
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Psychology, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Biology, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Insurance
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Public Health
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- International Business
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Journalism
- Civil Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Music
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Chemistry
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Design and Applied Arts
- History
- International/Global Studies
- Sociology
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Engineering Technology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Philosophy
- Dance
- Anthropology
- Construction Engineering Technologies
- Statistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Real Estate
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Natural Sciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Applied Mathematics
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Mathematics
- Plant Sciences
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Landscape Architecture
- Engineering, General
- Computational Science
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Industrial Engineering
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Materials Sciences
- Genetics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Online Master's Degrees (79 programs)▼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Accounting and Related Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Music
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Public Policy Analysis
- Public Health
- Special Education and Teaching
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Applied Mathematics
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Marketing
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Geography and Cartography
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Psychology, General
- Dance
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Journalism
- Design and Applied Arts
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Chemistry
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Mechanical Engineering
- History
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biotechnology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Economics
- Civil Engineering
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Taxation
- Statistics
- Landscape Architecture
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Political Science and Government
- Computational Science
- Anthropology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
- Insurance
- Housing and Human Environments
- Real Estate
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Engineering, General
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (48 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Education, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
- History
- Communication and Media Studies
- Physics
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Geography and Cartography
- Anthropology
- Statistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Political Science and Government
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Sociology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Dance
- Civil Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Public Health
- Philosophy
- Mechanical Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Law
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (49 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Music
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Public Health
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Biotechnology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Architecture
- Security Science and Technology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
- Engineering, Other
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Applied Mathematics
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (44 programs)▼
- American Sign Language
- Geography and Cartography
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Genetics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Philosophy
- Music
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Computer Programming
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computational Science
- Area Studies
- Social Sciences, General
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Economics
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sustainability Studies
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Sociology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Landscape Architecture
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
- Dance
Online First Professional Degrees (8 programs)▼
- Medicine
- Law
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Music
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 21,249
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.6%
- Female Students 55.4%
- Caucasian 46.3%
- Asian 15.2%
- Hispanic 9.9%
- Black 17.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 30.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Temple University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Temple University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Temple University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Temple University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Temple University has a diverse student body, with 46.3% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Temple University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Temple University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Temple University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #519 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $29,219 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $50,860 median earnings. The 74.7% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 83.4% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Temple University's Strengths
Ranked #519 with a B+ grade, Temple University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Temple University excel at providing affordable education ($29,219 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Temple University's 83.4% retention and 74.7% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($50,860 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Temple University and $29,219 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 74.7% six-year graduation rate sits 12.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.4% first-year retention is 6.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -56.5% return on investment is 141.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,860 run about 16% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $29,219 is roughly $9,320 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.9% employment rate within three years sits 17.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $29,219 is about $9,320 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 30.1% trails the national share by 3.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Temple University—a public university in Philadelphia, PA—at B+ overall. It appears at #519 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (A-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (C).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
83.4% of learners come back after year one while 74.7% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -56.5%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $29,219 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $39,799.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,580 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 30.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $50,860 at the median. That sits about 16% above the national median.
Roughly 85.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -56.5%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
82.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Temple University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Philadelphia, PA 19122-6096
- Website www.temple.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$812.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate12.4%