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Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Perseverantia Vincit("Perseverance Conquers")

1884
Founded
Public state-related research university
Type
21,249
Total Students
21,747
Undergrad
8,258
Graduate
$927M
Endowment
(2024)
$22K
Tuition (In-State)
$37K
Tuition (Out-State)
$29K
Avg Net Price
83%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
6-year
83%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: John Fry

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Temple University

Temple University: A Hub of Urban Innovation and Opportunity, Where Perseverance Conquers.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Philadelphia, Temple University stands as a dynamic public state-related research institution, embodying its enduring motto, "Perseverantia Vincit" — Perseverance Conquers. Founded in 1884 by Baptist minister Russell Conwell with a vision to provide education to working-class citizens, Temple has grown into the second-largest university in Pennsylvania by enrollment, welcoming a diverse student body eager to make their mark.

Temple is celebrated for its commitment to extensive research, classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," with significant annual expenditures in research and development. Across its 17 schools and colleges, including five professional schools, students can explore over 640 academic programs and more than 160 undergraduate majors. This vast academic landscape offers unparalleled opportunities, from cutting-edge science and technology to robust professional programs in law, medicine, business, and dentistry.

The student experience at Temple is deeply intertwined with its urban setting. Students benefit from the university's large campus while enjoying the rich cultural and professional opportunities Philadelphia offers. The campus is known for its lively atmosphere, complete with an array of popular food trucks that have become a hallmark of student life. Beyond academics, the Temple Owls represent the university in 18 NCAA Division I varsity sports, competing in the American Athletic Conference, fostering a strong sense of community and pride among students and its expansive global alumni base of over 378,000.

Key Highlights

  • One of the largest universities in Pennsylvania with over 30,000 students enrolled (Fall 2024).
  • Designated as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity," spending over $301 million on research annually.
  • Offers over 640 academic programs and 160+ undergraduate majors across 17 schools and colleges.
  • A public state-related research university, part of a unique hybrid system of higher education in the U.S.
  • Worldwide alumni base of 378,012, with 352,175 residing in the United States.
  • Home to the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry, the second oldest dental school in continuous existence in the U.S.
  • Lewis Katz School of Medicine scientists were the first to successfully remove HIV from human cells in 2014.

Timeline

1884
Founded by Russell Conwell as night classes in the basement of Grace Baptist Church.
1888
Chartered as The Temple College of Philadelphia.
1901
A medical school was added to the college.
1907
Reincorporated as Temple University.
1954
Board of trustees pledged campus growth and began purchasing Monument Cemetery land.
1965
Became a Pennsylvania state-related university.
1982
Peter J. Liacouras began his presidency, overseeing growth in academics, budget, and the design of the iconic 'T' logo.
2016
Classified as an 'R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity' by the Carnegie Foundation.
2023
JoAnne Epps named Acting President, passing away later that year.
2024
John Fry appointed 15th president of the university.
🏛️
142 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

7 notable schools within Temple University

💼

Fox School of Business and Management

Offers 15 undergraduate majors, 19 minors, 10 professional master's programs, and two PhD programs, with a variety of international partnerships. Established in 1918.

🏫

Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry

Established in 1863, it is the second oldest dental school in continuous existence in the United States, offering a wide range of dental services.

⚖️

Beasley School of Law

Founded in 1895, it trains students with programs focused on trial advocacy, transnational law, and taxation, offering full- and part-time programs including evening classes. Ranked 54th nationally (2024).

🏥

Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Founded in 1901, it was Pennsylvania's first co-educational medical school and is one of seven medical schools in the state conferring the Doctor of Medicine degree. Known for groundbreaking HIV research.

💊

School of Pharmacy

One of six schools of pharmacy in Pennsylvania, conferring the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in pharmaceutical sciences.

🏥

School of Podiatric Medicine

Home to the Foot and Ankle Institute, which is the largest podiatric medical treatment facility globally, logging over 40,000 patient visits annually.

🏫

School of Social Work

Part of the College of Public Health, it offers full-time, part-time, and online programs, with an enrollment of more than 600 students in Fall 2017.

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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