The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) vs Temple University

Envision yourself as a college student, surrounded by vibrant campuses and a diverse student body. As you embark on your higher education journey, it's essential to find a university that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the distinct characteristics of The Pennsylvania State University and Temple University, two esteemed institutions offering a wealth of opportunities. Explore the acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates to gain valuable insights into each university's unique offerings. Discover which institution best resonates with your academic goals, extracurricular interests, and campus culture preferences. Dive into the comparison table to uncover the details that will help you make an informed decision about your future academic home.
The Pennsylvania State University logo

The Pennsylvania State University

Temple University logo

Temple University

Overview

Location University Park, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Campus setting City: Small City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 87.0% 86.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 92.3% 72.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $65

Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $55

Graduate: $75
SAT range 1140 - 1360 N/A
ACT range 25 - 31 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 32.0%
Students submitting ACT score 6.0%
Total number of applicants 96,686 37,571
Total number of admissions given out 89,207 27,176
Admitted students who chose to enroll 16,049 4,922
Yield rate 18.0% 18.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $38,270

Out of state: $55,848
In state: $36,536

Out of state: $49,760
Average net price $24,012 $23,224
Tuition
In state: $18,368

Out of state: $35,946
In state: $16,488

Out of state: $29,712
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,360

Meal plan: $5,618
Room/dormitory: $8,636

Meal plan: $4,508
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

51.0%
Average amount $9,884
85.0%
Average amount $11,292
Students receiving federal student loan 49.0%
Average amount $5,305
58.0%
Average amount $5,158
Students taking out private loans 13.0%
Average amount $19,837
13.0%
Average amount $19,022

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 73,476
Men 53.7% Women 46.3%
25,967
Men 44.1% Women 55.9%
Graduate students 15,438
Men 51.7% Women 48.3%
9,659
Men 40.0% Women 60.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 34.1% N/A
International students 10.5% 5.4%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Large
Dormitory capacity 20,547 4,338
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Health Professions
  • Social Sciences
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 15:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 72.3% 75.3%
Dropout rate 25.7% 10.2%
Transferred out N/A 12.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,295
  • Year 2: $120,549
  • Year 3: $125,527
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,798
  • Year 2: $95,930
  • Year 3: $120,289
Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,190
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $113,544
Mining and Mineral Engineering (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $98,403
  • Year 3: $108,754
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,372
  • Year 2: $100,455
  • Year 3: $107,874
Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $96,574
  • Year 2: $99,291
  • Year 3: $104,370
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,304
  • Year 2: $97,855
  • Year 3: $104,056
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,512
  • Year 2: $94,864
  • Year 3: $103,461
Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $92,632
  • Year 3: $98,201
Nuclear Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $89,155
  • Year 3: $94,780
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,855
  • Year 2: $101,792
  • Year 3: $128,630
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $112,213
  • Year 2: $118,584
  • Year 3: $124,939
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,180
  • Year 2: $93,520
  • Year 3: $119,383
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $109,763
  • Year 3: $115,715
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,345
  • Year 2: $102,409
  • Year 3: $102,109
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,640
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $96,241
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,935
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $93,643
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,802
  • Year 2: $74,307
  • Year 3: $85,650
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,760
  • Year 2: $65,557
  • Year 3: $82,418
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,481
  • Year 2: $67,789
  • Year 3: $79,307

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