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Head to head · Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Temple University

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $48–75k and below, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the cheaper of the two; from $75–110k up, Temple University is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomePennsylvania State UniversityTemple UniversityDifference
Under $30k$19,845$22,694$2,849 · Pennsylvania State University
$30–48k$20,049$23,431$3,382 · Pennsylvania State University
$48–75k$25,667$26,534$867 · Pennsylvania State University
$75–110k$31,834$29,397$2,437 · Temple University
Over $110k$37,831$34,947$2,884 · Temple University

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus$134,180
Temple University$123,908
Difference over four years$10,272

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate61% · 80%
Average SAT1337 · —

Listed Pennsylvania State University first, then Temple University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$63,435 · $63,727
Graduate in four years71% · 59%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$25,000 · $24,395

Again Pennsylvania State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — every income band · Temple University — every income band · All Pennsylvania public colleges