Penn vs Temple — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Penn is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 80.4% acceptance). Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#14 vs #401-500). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $64K). Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $68,686 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 Penn 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
Penn is more selective (5.4% vs 80.4% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1250).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $64K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 75%).
Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $68,686); Penn offers a larger average aid package ($70,971 vs $17,833).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Penn | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #14 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 80.4% |
| Yield rate | 68% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.40 |
| Number of applications | 65,236 | 40,817 |
| International students | 24% | 6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $111K | $64K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% | 83% |
| Median debt | $15,715 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $68,686 | $38,958 |
| Avg. aid package | $70,971 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 100% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,558 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | $75 | $55 |
| Enrollment | 24,023 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Penn or Temple?
It's harder to get into Penn. Penn accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.4%.
Do Penn or Temple graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $64K.
How much is tuition at Penn vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,686 per year at Penn and $38,958 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for Penn or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Penn and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Penn or Temple?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #14 for Penn vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid — Penn or Temple?
The average aid package is $70,971 at Penn and $17,833 at Temple.
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