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Temple University

Accept Rate
82.92%
Grad Rate
76.3%
Enrollment
21,249
Tuition
$22,082
Median Salary
$63,727
Overall Grade
C
B
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
B+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Temple University pulses with the raw, unfiltered energy of North Philadelphia. It feels like you are at the epicenter of urban grit and creativity, where students navigate a fast-paced city campus that is anything but sheltered.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

82.92%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

With an acceptance rate over 80%, Temple is accessible, but you should still highlight your fit for their specific programs in your essay. Show genuine interest in the urban setting and how you plan to utilize the city for internships and research.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Temple is a research powerhouse with top-tier programs in communications, business, and health professions. Students gain hands-on experience through robust partnerships with Philadelphia's major hospitals and corporations.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
20.6%
Health Professions
10.7%
Communications
10.1%
Visual & Performing Arts
7.8%
Biology & Biomedical
6.9%
Psychology
6%
Computer Science
5.9%
Social Sciences
4.8%
Engineering
4.1%
Education
3.6%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3.1%
Multidisciplinary Studies
2.9%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

76.3%
Graduation Rate
83.4%
Retention Rate
21,249
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$22,082
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$29,219
After financial aid
Total Cost
$39,799
Cost of attendance/year
30.1%
Receive Pell Grants
55.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Philadelphia

Philadelphia offers a vibrant mix of history and modern culture, with students frequenting the Reading Terminal Market, exploring street art in Fishtown, or catching games at the nearby sports complex. The campus is a short subway ride from Center City, providing endless food, music, and internship opportunities.

Local Rent Check

$1,451 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Philadelphia
Explore Philadelphia

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$88,328
$0Est. 4 Years: $88,328

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($63,727):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Campus safety is a priority with extensive blue light systems and patrols, but students must remain vigilant as the campus blends directly into a dense urban environment. The university offers robust safety apps and shuttle services for navigating the surrounding area.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Prime location in Philadelphia provides unmatched access to internships and culture
  • โœ“ Strong alumni network in the Northeast corridor
  • โœ“ Vibrant campus life with Big 5 basketball rivalries
  • โœ“ Wide range of majors with strong professional programs

Cons

  • โœ— Urban campus setting can feel hectic or overwhelming to some students
  • โœ— Safety concerns exist in the immediate surrounding neighborhoods
  • โœ— Administrative bureaucracy can be slow to navigate

Notable Alumni

Bill Cosby
Iconic comedian and actor, star of 'The Cosby Show'
Patricia Routledge
Tony and BAFTA-winning actress known for 'Keeping Up Appearances'
Kenny Gamble
Songwriter and producer, co-founder of the 'Philly Sound'

Frequently Asked Questions

Temple is widely known for its renowned School of Media and Communication, the Fox School of Business, and its premier health sciences programs centered around the Temple University Hospital system. It is also recognized for its deep roots in the arts and its status as a major urban research university.

No, Temple University is generally considered accessible with an acceptance rate of approximately 83%. Successful applicants typically present a GPA around 3.5 and standardized test scores in the average range, though strong essays and extracurriculars can bolster an application.

Campus life is fast-paced and deeply integrated with the city; students often split time between campus facilities and exploring Philadelphia neighborhoods. Social life revolves around Division I sports, particularly basketball, and a lively Greek life scene, all set against a backdrop of diverse student organizations.

For in-state students, Temple offers a high-value education with a strong ROI relative to other public universities in the region. For out-of-state students, the investment pays off through the university's robust career placement in the Philadelphia and NYC markets, provided students actively leverage the city's opportunities.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Comcast Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Temple University Health System GlaxoSmithKline IBM
Smart Start Score
71

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 25,896
  • In-State Tuition $22,082
  • Out-of-State $37,462
  • Zip Code 19122

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44.6% โ™€ 55.4%

The Money Talk

While out-of-state tuition is steep, the strong graduation rate and median earnings of $63,727 suggest a solid return on investment for most graduates. For in-state students, the value proposition is exceptional, offering a major city education at a competitive public university price.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $22,082
Housing (12 mo) $17,412
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $46,694
With avg financial aid:
$29,219/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.