Rochester vs Temple — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 80.4% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #401-500). Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $64K). Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $67,080 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 Rochester 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
Rochester is more selective (40.1% vs 80.4% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1250).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $64K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 75%).
Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $17,833).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 80.4% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.40 |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 40,817 |
| International students | 37% | 6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $64K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 83% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $38,958 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | $50 | $55 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Temple?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.4%.
Do Rochester or Temple graduates earn more?
Rochester graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $79K vs $64K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $38,958 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Temple?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Temple?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $17,833 at Temple.
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