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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Temple University

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a public university in University Park, PA, and Temple University is a public university in Philadelphia, PA. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the more selective of the two, admitting about 61% of applicants against 80% at Temple University. Temple University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,198 a year against $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. About 86% of students graduate at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, compared with 75% at Temple University. Ten years after enrolling, Temple University alumni earn a median of about $63,727, against $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus.

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University Park, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
42,284
20,970
Acceptance rate
61%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1420
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,875
$28,198
Full cost / yr
$39,694
$40,903
In-state tuition
$20,644
$23,011
Out-of-state tuition
$41,790
$38,958
Application fee
$65
$55
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,845
$22,694
$30k - $48k
$20,049
$23,431
$48k - $75k
$25,667
$26,534
$75k - $110k
$31,834
$29,397
Over $110k
$37,831
$34,947
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
75%
Freshman retention
93%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,620
$50,860
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,435
$63,727
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$24,395
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
32%
First-generation students
29%
30%
International students
9%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Temple University harder to get into?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 61% of applicants, compared with 80% at Temple University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Temple University?
Temple University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,198 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Temple University?
Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus costs about $39,694 a year and Temple University about $40,903. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Temple University?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,845 there, against about $22,694 at Temple University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Temple University?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 42,284 undergraduates against 20,970 at Temple University.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Temple University have a better graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 75% at Temple University.
Do graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Temple University earn more?
Temple University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,727 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Temple University require SAT or ACT scores?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Temple University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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