Temple vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Temple is the more selective of the two (80.4% vs 88.7% acceptance). Temple ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #501-600). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($64K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Temple is more selective (80.4% vs 88.7% acceptance); Temple has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1204).
Temple graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($64K vs $63K); Iowa state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.3% vs 75%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $38,958); Temple offers a larger average aid package ($17,833 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Temple | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 80.4% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 15% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.40 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 40,817 | 23,095 |
| International students | 6% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $64K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 75% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 83% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $24,395 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $38,958 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,833 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 60.5% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $41,808 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $55 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 29,637 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Temple or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Temple. Temple accepts 80.4% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Temple or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $64K at Temple and $63K at Iowa state.
How much is tuition at Temple vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $38,958 per year at Temple and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Temple or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Temple and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Temple or Iowa state?
Temple ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Temple vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Temple or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $17,833 at Temple and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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