Temple University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and GPA ranges that matter
- Competitive and hidden-gem programs unique to Temple
- Specialty areas and Honors College opportunities
Temple is one of Philadelphia’s flagship public research universities, offering real value for families who need strong financial aid options. From guaranteed merit awards to identity-based scholarships and research funding, there are many ways to bring costs down. If you’re a Pennsylvania family, also check our state aid guide. And if you’re comparing schools nationwide, don’t miss the full College Scholarships Hub to see how Temple stacks up.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Temple University
| Expense | PA Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits) | $20,712 | $38,712 |
| Housing | $10,364 | $10,364 |
| Meals | $5,644 | $5,644 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,386 | $1,386 |
| Transportation | $2,544 | $2,544 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,508 | $2,508 |
| Total (before aid) | $43,158 | $61,158 |
Average Net Price: According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Temple families actually paid about $23,935 per year after grants and scholarships—no loans included (latest 2022–23 data). This is what families really spent out-of-pocket on average.
Regional Programs: Temple is not part of WUE or MSEP, but it does honor specialized tuition programs such as the Fly in 4 affordability pledge (locks tuition for four years if requirements are met) and a variety of state-funded grants for PA residents.
Real Savings Example: A PA family pays about $43,158 before aid. With the average net price of $23,935, that’s roughly $19,000 in grants and scholarships already factored in for a typical student.
Affordability FAQ
Who qualifies for Fly in 4? All new undergraduates who agree to complete a graduation plan and meet advising/credit requirements.
Does Temple have reciprocity rates? No—tuition is split between PA residents and nonresidents, but institutional and state aid can significantly reduce costs.
Is the tuition fixed? Yes—for students who sign up for Fly in 4, tuition is guaranteed not to increase for four years.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Temple University guarantees several levels of admission-based merit aid for new freshmen. Awards are determined at admission based on GPA and, if submitted, test scores. Temple is test-optional, but if you submit scores, they will only use the highest from a single test sitting—Temple does not superscore across multiple dates.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dean’s Scholarship | $2,000–$5,000/yr | Freshmen with solid academics; GPA typically ≥ 3.4* | No | Yes — GPA ≥ 3.0; full-time | Students with GPA in the mid-3’s and a college-prep curriculum. |
| President’s Scholarship | $5,000–$10,000/yr | Strong freshmen applicants; GPA usually 3.6+* | No | Yes — GPA ≥ 3.0; full-time | Students in the top 10–15% of their high school class with leadership or advanced coursework. |
| Provost’s Scholarship | Half to Full Tuition | Freshmen with exceptional GPA and rigor; test scores may strengthen award if submitted | No | Yes — GPA ≥ 3.0; full-time | Top students with GPAs 3.8+* and AP/IB/dual enrollment courses; strong extracurriculars help. |
| General Merit Scholarship Program | $1,000 – Full Tuition | All admitted freshmen are automatically considered | No | Yes — GPA ≥ 3.0; full-time | Ranges depend on GPA, class rigor, and available funds. Some students receive smaller awards outside the tiered names above. |
Disclaimer: GPA/test bands marked with * are estimates based on publicly available award data and past cycles. Temple sets exact awards each year, and amounts depend on GPA, curriculum rigor, optional test scores, and available funding. Confirm your award in the official Temple acceptance letter.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply? No. All admitted freshmen are automatically reviewed for merit awards.
Does Temple superscore SAT or ACT? No. Temple only uses the highest score from a single test sitting.
Can these stack with other aid? Yes. Automatic merit can combine with need-based grants, departmental awards, and outside scholarships, but total aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Temple University does not publish any university-wide, freshman-only competitive scholarships (like Stamps or other flagship full-ride contests). Instead, incoming students are considered automatically for merit at admission, and then gain access to hundreds of donor-funded and departmental awards through Scholarship Universe. Some of these may require essays, recommendations, or portfolios, but they are categorized as Hidden Gems rather than university-level competitions.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Why It’s Competitive | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No freshman-only competitive scholarships are listed | — | — | — | — | Students should use Scholarship Universe after admission for selective donor/departmental funds that may require essays, portfolios, or recommendations. |
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Does Temple have a flagship full-ride contest? No. Unlike some peer universities, Temple does not run a freshman-only competition for a small set of top awards.
Where should we look for essay or portfolio scholarships? In Scholarship Universe and within individual colleges (Tyler, Fox, Klein). These are treated as Hidden Gems in our guide.
Can outside awards stack? Yes. External competitive scholarships (like Stamps or private foundation awards) can usually be combined with Temple’s merit and need-based aid, up to the total cost of attendance.
⭐ College Specialty
Temple University is a nationally recognized R1 Research University, which means your student will have access to top-tier labs, faculty, and research opportunities right in the heart of Philadelphia. What makes Temple stand out isn’t just its size—it’s the blend of practical, career-driven programs and nationally ranked academic strengths that prepare students for jobs and graduate schools across the country.
Program Spotlight: Temple’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture is consistently ranked among the top art schools in the U.S., with nationally known programs in Fine Arts, Architecture, and Graphic & Interactive Design. Students here don’t just learn—they exhibit, publish, and showcase work across Philadelphia and beyond.
Other areas where Temple stands out nationally and statewide:
- Fox School of Business: Ranked among the top 15 in the U.S. for Risk Management & Insurance and Supply Chain Management (U.S. News, 2024).
- Klein College of Media & Communication: Nationally known for Journalism, Advertising, and Strategic Communication, with programs ranked in the top tier regionally.
- Health Professions: Temple’s Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Podiatric Medicine programs are the only ones of their kind in Pennsylvania.
- Beasley School of Law: Ranked #54 nationally (U.S. News, 2024), known for trial advocacy and international law.
- Music & Dance (Boyer College): Recognized nationally for jazz studies, orchestral performance, and music education.
- Public Health: One of the largest and most respected public health programs in the region, driving research and community health policy statewide.
🎖️ Honors College
Temple’s Honors College gives motivated students the chance to turn a large urban university into a smaller, more personal experience. With small seminars, faculty mentors, and a community of high-achieving peers, Honors is less about being a “straight-A” student and more about curiosity, leadership, and engagement inside and outside the classroom.
What a Typical Temple Honors Student Looks Like: GPA in the 3.6+ range*, strong writing ability, a record of service or leadership, and a desire to dig deeper into coursework. Many are first-gen or from Philadelphia-area schools, drawn to the extra support and opportunities Honors offers. *Estimate based on recent admitted student profiles.
Perks that Matter: Priority registration, one-on-one faculty mentoring, Honors residence halls, enriched seminars, thesis and research opportunities, and fellowship advising (for Rhodes, Fulbright, Truman, etc.).
| Program | Award / Benefit | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lambert Foundation Scholarship | Full tuition (fall & spring, up to 18 credits each semester) | Pennsylvania resident students admitted to the Temple University Honors College | No — awarded automatically within Honors selection | Yes — continues if student maintains Honors standing and full-time enrollment | Top PA-resident Honors students; no separate app needed, selection based on overall Honors admission profile |
| Temple Honors College Admission | Access to small classes, advising, priority registration, housing | Incoming freshmen or current students with GPA ~3.6+* | Yes — separate application on Temple portal | Yes — maintain GPA and complete Honors coursework | High-achieving students with strong essays, leadership/service, and curiosity across disciplines. |
| Honors College Scholarships | $1,000–$4,000/yr | Enrolled Honors students; based on GPA, essays, or financial need | Yes — via Scholarship Universe or Honors app | Varies by award | Active Honors students who combine academics with leadership, service, or research involvement. |
| Departmental Honors Programs | Notation on transcript; some offer $500–$1,500 stipends | Upper-division majors (GPA ≥ 3.3–3.5) completing a thesis or capstone | Yes — apply to department | One-time or annual | Students in majors like Business, Media, or Science who pursue in-depth projects with faculty mentors. |
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic? No — students must apply separately to Honors with essays and sometimes teacher recommendations.
Does Honors add time to a degree? No — seminars and thesis work are built into electives; most students still graduate in 4 years.
Are there extra scholarships? Yes — Honors College and departments offer small awards on top of general merit.
When should my student apply? High school seniors should apply alongside the Temple application; current students can apply after their first semester.
🔗 Official Links
📌 Final Thoughts
Navigating Temple’s scholarships and aid options can feel like a maze, but with the right information, families can piece together a clear plan. From automatic GPA-based awards to hidden gems in leadership, identity-based programs, and departmental funds, Temple offers multiple ways to lower the bill. Add in the Honors College experience and Philadelphia’s opportunities, and your student has the chance to thrive both academically and personally.
✅ Last updated: August 26, 2025