Return on Investment Analysis

Temple University ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a Temple University degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from Temple University is 5.6 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending Temple University?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at Temple University is $88,328 ($22,082 per year). 55% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do Temple University graduates earn?

The median earnings for Temple University graduates 5 years after enrollment is $50,860. This is $15,860 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Temple University costs about $88,328 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $50,860 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.6 years (20-year ROI: 259%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$88,328

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$15,860/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

5.6 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

259%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Temple University's in-state tuition costs $22,082. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $45,412. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $50,860, and after ten years, it reaches $63,727. The median debt for graduates is $24,395, and 55.3% of students receive financial aid.

Based on the provided data, a graduate's annual earnings exceed the cost of tuition within the first year after graduation. The debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.54, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings.

Given the median debt and the one-year earnings, the break-even point, or the time it takes to pay off the debt, is less than one year. This is determined by dividing the median debt by the annual earnings.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$22,082

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,395

Median Earnings (5yr)

$50,860

Graduation Rate

76%

Receive Financial Aid

55%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$88,328	$121,267	1853%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$88,328	$55,795	371%
Finance and Financial Management Services	$88,328	$99,188	1353%
Computer and Information Sciences, General	$88,328	$90,875	1165%
Psychology, General	$88,328	$43,604	95%
Marketing	$88,328	$63,224	539%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication	$88,328	$53,863	327%
Accounting and Related Services	$88,328	$97,777	1321%
Biology, General	$88,328	$59,912	464%
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication	$88,328	$45,329	134%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$88,328	$70,609	706%
Law	$88,328	$93,115	1216%
Criminal Justice and Corrections	$88,328	$47,144	175%
Human Resources Management and Services	$88,328	$66,841	621%
Film/Video and Photographic Arts	$88,328	$35,213	-95%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions	$88,328	$78,859	893%
Social Work	$88,328	$57,984	420%
Insurance	$88,328	$78,623	888%
Business/Commerce, General	$88,328	$60,375	475%
Political Science and Government	$88,328	$49,976	239%
Mechanical Engineering	$88,328	$80,267	925%
Dentistry	$88,328	$135,481	2175%
Public Health	$88,328	$69,552	682%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods	$88,328	$86,666	1070%

Peer Comparison

Temple University Current

259%

20yr ROI

Oregon State University

487%

20yr ROI

Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

529%

20yr ROI

York College of Pennsylvania

224%

20yr ROI

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

649%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$88,328

Median Debt$24,395

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$88,328

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Temple University worth the cost?

Based on government data, Temple University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 259%. The total 4-year cost is $88,328 and graduates earn a median of $50,860 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a Temple University degree?

What is the total cost of attending Temple University?

What do Temple University graduates earn?

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

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