Temple vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 80.4% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #201-300). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $64K). Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $59,512 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: lower tuition.
Choose Virginia for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 80.4% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1250).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $64K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 75%).
Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $59,512); Virginia offers a larger average aid package ($37,123 vs $17,833).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Temple | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 80.4% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 15% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.40 | — |
| Number of applications | 40,817 | 58,951 |
| International students | 6% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $64K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 75% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 83% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $24,395 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $38,958 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,833 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 60.5% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $41,808 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $55 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 29,637 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Temple or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Temple accepts 80.4% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Temple or Virginia graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $64K.
How much is tuition at Temple vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $38,958 per year at Temple and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Temple or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Temple and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Temple or Virginia?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Temple vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Temple or Virginia?
The average aid package is $17,833 at Temple and $37,123 at Virginia.
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