Acceptance Rate
80%
Avg. SAT
1290
75th percentile
“Philadelphia's gritty urban university where working-class roots meet big-city ambition and practical career training.”
Philadelphia, PA
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
Temple University traces its origins to 1884, when Baptist minister Russell Conwell started a night school in his Philadelphia church basement to educate working adults denied other opportunities. From those humble beginnings as a place for strivers, it grew into a major public research university with over 27,000 undergraduates sprawled across an urban campus in North Philadelphia. You'll find a personality that's straightforward and resilient, mirroring the city's no-nonsense hustle—students here often juggle classes, jobs, and internships amid the buzz of nearby neighborhoods.
Ambitious types who thrive on real-world exposure fit right in, whether they're diving into Philly's media scene or business districts. Those drawn to Temple appreciate its focus on accessible education that launches practical careers, but it demands self-starters comfortable navigating a less contained campus environment. The surrounding area offers endless urban energy—walk to cheesesteaks on South Street or historic sites—but comes with Philadelphia's high cost of living and fast pace, which can overwhelm students seeking a more insulated college bubble.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
Temple stands out for hands-on programs in the Fox School of Business, Klein College of Media and Communication, and health sciences like the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, where students tackle projects tied to Philadelphia's industries. In classrooms, expect a mix: smaller seminars in upper-level courses alongside large introductory lectures that reflect the university's scale, pushing you to seek out professors during office hours for real interaction. Research opportunities abound for undergrads, especially in urban-focused areas like public health and journalism, though competitive majors may require strong grades to switch into.
The intellectual culture rewards initiative—professors often bring city professionals into discussions, giving you that direct line to careers—but large class sizes in gen eds mean less hand-holding than at smaller schools.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
21,457 undergrad • 8,183 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
45%
Black / African American
16%
Hispanic / Latino
9%
Asian
15%
Other / Multi-racial
16%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Philadelphia, PA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life pulses with urban energy, from Owls basketball games at the Liacouras Center to over 400 student organizations hosting events like a cappella battles or entrepreneurship pitch nights. A typical week mixes lectures, gym sessions at the state-of-the-art recreation center, and off-campus hangs in Philly's vibrant restaurant scene, with Greek life providing a structured social outlet for about 10 percent of students. Residential options cluster in high-rise dorms and suite-style halls near campus, fostering quick friendships, though upperclassmen often seek apartments in surrounding areas.
Traditions like the Cherry and White Parade before big games build school spirit, but the city-campus blend means you'll navigate public transit and choose your adventures wisely. Winters bring chilly winds off the Schuylkill River, and housing fills fast for freshmen, so early applications help secure spots amid Philly's elevated rents.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
American Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
83%
4 Years Graduation Rate
63%
6 Years Graduation Rate
78%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$63,727
83% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Temple University and return in the fall. 63% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 78% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
63%
4-5 years
15%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
21%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$20,173
Acceptance
80%
Undergrads
21,457
4-Year Grad Rate
63%
Endowment
$794M
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6096