Temple vs Kansas — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Temple is the more selective of the two (80.4% vs 93.5% acceptance). Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #301-400). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($64K vs $62K). Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 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 selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Kansas for: a higher world ranking, 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 93.5% acceptance); Temple has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1190).
Temple graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($64K vs $62K); Temple has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75% vs 68.8%).
Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $38,958); Kansas offers a larger average aid package ($19,700 vs $17,833).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Temple | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 80.4% | 93.5% |
| Yield rate | 15% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.40 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 40,817 | 22,363 |
| International students | 6% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $64K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 75% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 83% | 86% |
| Median debt | $24,395 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $38,958 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,833 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 60.5% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $41,808 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | $55 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 29,637 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Temple or Kansas?
It's harder to get into Temple. Temple accepts 80.4% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.5%.
Do Temple or Kansas graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $64K at Temple and $62K at Kansas.
How much is tuition at Temple vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $38,958 per year at Temple and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for Temple or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Temple and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Temple or Kansas?
Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Temple vs #301-400 for Kansas.
Which university offers more financial aid — Temple or Kansas?
The average aid package is $17,833 at Temple and $19,700 at Kansas.
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