Temple University was founded in 1884 by Russell Conwell, a Baptist minister who delivered his famous 'Acres of Diamonds' speech emphasizing opportunity and self-improvement. Originally established as a night school to provide affordable education to working-class Philadelphians, Temple became a state-related university in 1965. The university has grown from humble beginnings into one of the nation's largest providers of professional education, maintaining its founding mission of accessibility and social mobility.
Today, Temple is recognized as a major public research university with particular strengths in health sciences, business, law, and the arts. The Fox School of Business, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, and Lewis Katz School of Medicine are nationally ranked programs. Temple is classified as an R1 research institution with very high research activity, conducting groundbreaking work in health disparities, urban education, and social justice. The university operates multiple campuses including locations in Rome, Tokyo, and a suburban campus in Ambler, Pennsylvania.
Campus life at Temple reflects the diversity and energy of Philadelphia, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries creating a vibrant urban learning environment. The university's North Philadelphia location provides unique opportunities for community engagement and urban research while offering access to Philadelphia's rich cultural resources. Temple's identity is built around resilience and determination—embodied by the university's owl mascot and the spirit of 'Temple Made'—celebrating students who often are the first in their families to attend college and who work hard to achieve their dreams.
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1884 |
| Total students | 33,600 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 14:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 80% |
| Graduation rate | 78% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
| In-state tuition | $20,173 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $34,405 |
| Room & board | $13,658 |
| Average financial aid | $11,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 73% |
| SAT range | 1080-1280 |
| ACT range | 23-30 |
| Average GPA | 3.54 |
| Regular deadline | February 1 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.