Tour Tuesday: Temple University
City Campus, Global Pathways, and Built for Opportunity
Overview
Temple University is one of those schools that completely shifts your perception once you step on campus. What might look like a typical urban university at first glance quickly reveals itself as a true campus community with defined spaces, strong school pride, and a clear mission rooted in access and opportunity. Founded by Russell Conwell to make education accessible to local students, Temple still carries that spirit today. With over 21,000 undergraduates and multiple campuses around the world, it’s a place where students can build their path - locally and globally.
Quick Look:
Public research university in Philadelphia, PA
~21,000 undergraduate students
R1 research institution
44% of classes under 20 students
160+ majors and programs
Multiple campuses: Philadelphia (main), Rome, Japan, Ambler
“Fly in 4” graduation guarantee program
NCAA Division I athletics (AAC)
Location
Temple is located right in Philadelphia, but what stands out is how much it feels like a campus within the city. It’s connected, accessible, and surprisingly cohesive for an urban school.
Location Highlights:
Located in Philadelphia with direct access to trains and public transit
Right on a major rail line with easy access to Amtrak and the airport
Campus is well-lit and structured (second brightest area in Philly after the IKEA parking lot!)
Strong sense of campus community despite urban setting
Easy access to internships, healthcare systems, and city resources
Admissions Information
Temple offers a flexible and accessible admissions process, with unique entry options that set it apart from many other schools.
Admissions Details:
Test-optional admissions
STARS school (self-reported transcripts)
Automatic consideration for merit scholarships
Auto-considered for Honors College
Students can choose to start their college experience in Rome or Japan
An exploratory major is available for undecided students
Emphasis on course rigor and alignment with the intended major
Nursing is now a pre-nursing track (Certain GPA required in college to continue)
Academic / Major Information
Temple offers a wide range of academic opportunities with strong support systems to help students stay on track and graduate on time.
Academic Highlights:
160+ majors across a wide range of disciplines
5 professional schools: law, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, podiatry
4+1 programs allow students to earn a bachelor’s + master’s degree efficiently
“Fly in 4” program ensures on-time graduation (Temple will cover course costs if scheduling prevents it)
Exploratory studies program for undecided students
Strong research opportunities as an R1 institution
Laptop kiosks and tech access support student success
Global Campuses (A Major Differentiator)
One of Temple’s most unique features is its fully integrated global campus system. These aren’t just study abroad options - they’re full Temple campuses where credits transfer seamlessly.
Global Opportunities:
Full campuses in Rome and Japan
Students can start their college career at either international campus
All credits transfer seamlessly between campuses
Great option for completing general education requirements abroad
Unique global perspective built into the academic experience
Housing and Student Life
Student life at Temple is active, flexible, and very much student-driven. While not required to live on campus, most students choose to, especially early on.
Housing & Campus Life Highlights:
8 residence halls on campus
Freshmen get priority in selecting housing
Most freshmen live on campus, and many upperclassmen move to nearby apartments
“Off-campus” housing is often Temple-supported and adjacent to campus
Cheesesteak eating club (yes, really)
Strong student engagement and community building
Campus vibe: active, social, and more connected than expected
Athletics
Temple athletics bring strong Division I competition and school spirit, with some unique setups tied to its city location.
Athletics Overview:
NCAA Division I athletics (American Athletic Conference)
Football plays at Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles stadium)
Other sports are played on campus or at the nearby athletic complex
Strong school pride tied to athletics
Cost and Scholarships
Temple offers strong value for a large public university, especially for in-state students, with multiple ways to reduce costs.
Cost & Aid Details:
Tuition:
In-state: ~$19,500/year
Out-of-state: ~$35,000/year
Room & board: ~$14,000/year
Automatic merit scholarship consideration
Differential tuition by major
“Fly in 4” program adds financial security for graduation timeline
Fun Facts / Traditions
Temple has a lot of personality, and it shows up in both its history and student culture.
Campus Culture & Traditions:
Mascot is the Owl because early students attended night classes
Founded by tutoring local students in a church, rooted in access and opportunity
Library robot retrieves books for students
Campus is one of the brightest-lit areas in Philadelphia
Strong pride in being more than a “commuter school”
Final Thoughts: Who Would Thrive at Temple?
Temple is a fantastic fit for students who want a large university experience with flexibility, opportunity, and real-world access. It’s especially strong for students who want to explore globally, stay on track academically, and take advantage of everything a major city offers.
Ideal Student Profile:
Students who want a city campus with a strong community feel
Those interested in flexibility and multiple academic pathways
Students excited about global opportunities (Rome/Japan campuses)
Individuals who value affordability and strong ROI
Students who want to combine academics with real-world experience
Those who prefer independence with strong institutional support
