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Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

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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

Philadelphia's R1 research powerhouse, built on a legacy of accessible, dynamic education.

Temple University, a vibrant public state-related research university in the heart of Philadelphia, stands as a testament to perseverance and opportunity. As the second-largest university in Pennsylvania by enrollment, Temple offers a dynamic urban campus experience coupled with a global reach. It's a place where over 30,000 students pursue an impressive array of over 640 academic programs, fostering a community dedicated to discovery and impact.

Born from a simple act of generosity in 1884, Temple's roots trace back to Baptist minister Russell Conwell, who began tutoring working-class citizens in his church basement. This commitment to making education accessible to those "unable to get it through the usual channels" quickly blossomed into The Temple College of Philadelphia. From these humble beginnings, Temple expanded to include medical and dental schools early on, officially becoming Temple University in 1907, embodying its foundational mission of empowering individuals through learning.

Today, Temple is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its significant contributions to groundbreaking research, with expenditures reaching over $300 million in 2022. Students benefit from this research-intensive environment across its 17 schools and colleges, including five professional schools. Beyond the classroom, the vibrant campus culture is enriched by 18 NCAA Division I varsity sports teams, the iconic "Temple Owls," and a lively campus atmosphere featuring beloved food trucks—a direct outcome of student advocacy from the 20th century. With additional campuses in Center City, Ambler, Harrisburg, Rome, and Tokyo, Temple offers diverse learning environments and a truly global perspective, preparing its 378,012 worldwide alumni for success.

The university continues to evolve, as evidenced by its "Visualize Temple" campus development plan, introducing modern facilities like the TECH Center and the LEED Gold-certified Science and Education Research Center. These ongoing enhancements ensure Temple remains at the forefront of education, blending its rich history of accessibility with cutting-edge academic and research opportunities.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation.
  • Second-largest university in Pennsylvania by enrollment, with over 30,000 students.
  • Offers 640+ academic programs and over 160 undergraduate majors across 17 schools and colleges.
  • Boasts a worldwide alumni base of 378,012.
  • Annual research and development expenditures exceeded $301 million in 2022.
  • Home to the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry, the second oldest dental school in continuous existence in the U.S.
  • A unique "state-related" university, independently operated but receiving state funds, a distinctive public-private hybrid system in the U.S.

Timeline

1884
Founded by Baptist minister Russell Conwell and his congregation.
1888
Chartered by Philadelphia as The Temple College of Philadelphia.
1891
First graduating class receives Bachelor of Oratory degrees.
1907
Reincorporated as Temple University after merging with Philadelphia Dental College.
1925
Founder Russell Conwell passes away after 38-year presidency.
1965
Becomes a Pennsylvania state-related university.
1982
Peter J. Liacouras begins his 18-year presidency, overseeing significant growth.
2014
"Visualize Temple" campus development plan unveiled.
2016
Classified by Carnegie Foundation as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity."
2024
John Fry appointed as 15th president.
🏛️
142 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

7 notable schools within Temple University

💼

Fox School of Business

Established in 1918, it offers 15 undergraduate majors, 10 professional master's programs, and PhD programs, known for international partnerships.

🏫

Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry

Established in 1863, it is the second oldest dental school in continuous existence in the United States, offering comprehensive dental care services.

⚖️

Beasley School of Law

Founded in 1895, known for strong programs in trial advocacy, transnational law, and taxation, offering full- and part-time programs with evening classes.

🏥

Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Founded in 1901, Pennsylvania's first co-educational medical school and one of seven in the state conferring the Doctor of Medicine degree.

💊

School of Pharmacy

Offers 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, the largest podiatric medical treatment facility, 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.

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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