Kansas vs Temple — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Temple is the more selective of the two (80.4% vs 93.5% acceptance). Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #401-500). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($62K vs $64K). Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 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 Kansas for: a higher world ranking, higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Temple for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Temple is more selective (80.4% vs 93.5% acceptance); Temple has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1190).
Temple graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($64K vs $62K); Temple has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75% vs 68.8%).
Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $38,958); Kansas offers a larger average aid package ($19,700 vs $17,833).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Kansas | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 93.5% | 80.4% |
| Yield rate | 25.5% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1190 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.40 |
| Number of applications | 22,363 | 40,817 |
| International students | 7% | 6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $64K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 68.8% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 86% | 83% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $30,432 | $38,958 |
| Avg. aid package | $19,700 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 78.6% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,212 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | $40 | $55 |
| Enrollment | 29,792 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Kansas or Temple?
It's harder to get into Temple. Kansas accepts 93.5% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.4%.
Do Kansas or Temple graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $62K at Kansas and $64K at Temple.
How much is tuition at Kansas vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $30,432 per year at Kansas and $38,958 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for Kansas or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1190 at Kansas and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Kansas or Temple?
Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Kansas vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid — Kansas or Temple?
The average aid package is $19,700 at Kansas and $17,833 at Temple.
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