Temple vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Houston is the more selective of the two (73.9% vs 80.4% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #201-300). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($64K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 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 Temple for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
Choose Houston for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Houston is more selective (73.9% vs 80.4% acceptance).
Temple graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($64K vs $62K); Temple has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $38,958); Temple offers a larger average aid package ($17,833 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Temple | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 80.4% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 15% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.40 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 40,817 | 31,716 |
| International students | 6% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $64K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 75% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 83% | 87% |
| Median debt | $24,395 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $38,958 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,833 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 60.5% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $41,808 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $55 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 29,637 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Temple or Houston?
It's harder to get into Houston. Temple accepts 80.4% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Temple or Houston graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $64K at Temple and $62K at Houston.
How much is tuition at Temple vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $38,958 per year at Temple and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Temple or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Temple and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Temple or Houston?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Temple vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Temple or Houston?
The average aid package is $17,833 at Temple and $16,450 at Houston.
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