Rhode island vs Temple — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rhode island is the more selective of the two (72.2% vs 80.4% acceptance). Temple ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #401-500). Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $64K). Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 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 Rhode island for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
Choose Temple for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rhode island is more selective (72.2% vs 80.4% acceptance); Temple has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1160).
Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $64K); Temple has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75% vs 73.3%).
Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $38,958); Temple offers a larger average aid package ($17,833 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 80.4% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | 3.40 |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 40,817 |
| International students | 3% | 6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $64K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 83% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $38,958 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 60% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | $65 | $55 |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Temple?
It's harder to get into Rhode island. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.4%.
Do Rhode island or Temple graduates earn more?
Rhode island graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $64K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $38,958 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rhode island or Temple?
Temple ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode island vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Temple?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $17,833 at Temple.
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