Harvard vs Temple - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Temple accepts most of the applications it receives (80.5%), while Harvard turns away the overwhelming majority (3.6%).
The share of international students differs sharply: 15.7% (Harvard) against 4.4% (Temple).
Average aid for an international student is $81,046 (Harvard) and $16,607 (Temple).
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Harvard lists $87,926 against $58,550 (Temple), but after average aid what remains is $13,539 against $40,717.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.65% vs 80.45% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #401-500). Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $64K). Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($40,144 vs $64,796 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical - the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Harvard for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Temple for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.65% vs 80.45% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1250).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $64K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 75%).
Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($40,144 vs $64,796); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $17,833).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 3.65% | 80.45% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.21 | 3.42 |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 40,817 |
| International students | 15.7% | 4.4% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $64K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $65K | $41K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 83% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $64,796 | $40,144 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 100% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | $85 | $55 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Temple?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.65% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.45%.
Do Harvard or Temple graduates earn more?
Harvard graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $64K.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,796 per year at Harvard and $40,144 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Harvard or Temple?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid - Harvard or Temple?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $17,833 at Temple.
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