West virginia vs Temple — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Temple is the more selective of the two (80.4% vs 89% acceptance). Temple ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #401-500). Temple graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($64K vs $56K). West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 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 West virginia for: higher retention, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Temple 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
Temple is more selective (80.4% vs 89% acceptance); Temple has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1122).
Temple graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($64K vs $56K); Temple has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75% vs 64.7%).
West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $38,958); Temple offers a larger average aid package ($17,833 vs $16,730).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | West virginia | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 89% | 80.4% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1122 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.40 |
| Number of applications | 20,150 | 40,817 |
| International students | 5% | 6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $64K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $53K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 64.7% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 83.4% | 83% |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $28,608 | $38,958 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,730 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 63% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,010 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | $65 | $55 |
| Enrollment | 23,643 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into West virginia or Temple?
It's harder to get into Temple. West virginia accepts 89% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.4%.
Do West virginia or Temple graduates earn more?
Temple graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $64K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at West virginia vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,608 per year at West virginia and $38,958 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for West virginia or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1122 at West virginia and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — West virginia or Temple?
Temple ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for West virginia vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid — West virginia or Temple?
The average aid package is $16,730 at West virginia and $17,833 at Temple.
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