Houston vs Temple — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Houston is the more selective of the two (73.9% vs 80.4% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #401-500). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($62K vs $64K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $38,958 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 Houston for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher retention.
Choose Temple for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Houston is more selective (73.9% vs 80.4% acceptance).
Temple graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($64K vs $62K); Temple has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $38,958); Temple offers a larger average aid package ($17,833 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 80.4% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | 3.40 |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 40,817 |
| International students | 16% | 6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $64K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 83% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $38,958 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | $75 | $55 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Temple?
It's harder to get into Houston. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.4%.
Do Houston or Temple graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $62K at Houston and $64K at Temple.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $38,958 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Temple?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Temple?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $17,833 at Temple.
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