At $29,219/yr net price, Temple University graduates earn $63,727/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,727/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,219 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $116,876 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,727/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,727/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,395 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,080/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,278/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,493/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,578/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,632/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $118,584 | $136,167 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $109,763 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $102,409 | $45,067 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $101,792 | $296,851 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Master | $93,520 | $37,499 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $74,641 | $130,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $74,307 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $71,575 | |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $70,456 | $49,688 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $70,100 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
74.7% of students at Temple University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Temple University offers solid returns for specific career paths but carries notable financial risks depending on your major choice. The school's location in Philadelphia provides access to healthcare, business, and professional services jobs that align well with its strongest programs.
Your major selection will determine whether Temple makes financial sense. Pharmacy and nursing programs deliver strong earnings potential, with nursing graduates earning over $109,000 annually. Business administration also pays off well at $102,400 yearly with manageable debt levels around $45,000. However, dental students face crushing debt loads of nearly $300,000, which significantly undermines the program's $101,800 earning potential.
Temple's 74% graduation rate creates a meaningful risk that you won't complete your degree, leaving you with debt but no credential. The 83% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the transition or find the academic demands challenging.
The school works best financially for Pennsylvania residents pursuing healthcare or business careers who can leverage Philadelphia's job market. Out-of-state students should carefully evaluate whether the higher costs justify the potential returns, especially outside the top-earning programs.
With only 30% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. This makes Temple a poor choice if you need significant financial assistance. The $24,400 median debt level is reasonable for graduates in high-earning fields but problematic for those in lower-paying majors.
Avoid Temple if you're considering programs outside healthcare and business, need substantial financial aid, or have concerns about completing your degree within the traditional timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Temple University worth the cost?
Temple University offers mixed value depending on your major. Healthcare and business programs show strong returns with graduates earning $90,000-$118,000, but many other programs struggle to justify the $29,000 annual cost given the median salary of $64,000 ten years after graduation.
What Temple University programs have the best ROI?
Pharmacy leads Temple's ROI with graduates earning $118,584, followed by nursing at $109,763 and business administration at $102,409. These programs can justify the investment, while liberal arts and education majors face tougher financial outcomes.
How much debt do Temple University students graduate with?
Temple students graduate with a median debt of $24,395, which is manageable for high-earning majors like pharmacy and nursing. However, students in lower-paying fields may struggle with loan payments relative to their starting salaries.
Does Temple University provide good financial aid?
Temple's net price of $29,219 reflects moderate financial aid for a public research university. The 75% graduation rate suggests most students can complete their programs, but aid packages vary significantly by family income and academic merit.