Iowa state vs Temple — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Temple is the more selective of the two (80.4% vs 88.7% acceptance). Temple ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #401-500). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($63K vs $64K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Temple for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Temple is more selective (80.4% vs 88.7% acceptance); Temple has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1204).
Temple graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($64K vs $63K); Iowa state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.3% vs 75%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $38,958); Temple offers a larger average aid package ($17,833 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 80.4% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.40 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 40,817 |
| International students | 8% | 6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $64K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 83% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $38,958 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 78% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | $40 | $55 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Temple?
It's harder to get into Temple. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.4%.
Do Iowa state or Temple graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $63K at Iowa state and $64K at Temple.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $38,958 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Temple?
Temple ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Temple?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $17,833 at Temple.
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