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