Understanding Temple University Tuition Costs

For many prospective students, the cost of tuition is a significant factor in deciding where to pursue higher education. Temple University, a large public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, aims to make education accessible, but understanding its tuition structure and financial aid options is crucial for prospective students and their families. This article breaks down the various aspects of Temple University's tuition costs, fees, and financial aid opportunities.

Tuition and Fees: The Sticker Price

Temple University's tuition rates vary depending on several factors: school/college/program, residency (in-state or out-of-state), student level (undergraduate, graduate, or professional), and enrollment status (full-time or part-time). These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, Temple University's tuition is $22,914 for in-state students and $38,837 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,201, Temple University is more expensive. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is more expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,084.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition

One of the most significant factors influencing tuition costs is residency. As of recent data, base annual tuition for in-state students begins at $19,608, while out-of-state students face a higher annual tuition of $35,232. The difference reflects the financial support Pennsylvania taxpayers provide to the university. A student is classified as a Pennsylvania resident for tuition purposes if his or her permanent, legal residence is in Pennsylvania. An individual who has not lived in Pennsylvania for a continuous 12-month period immediately prior to registration as a student at a Pennsylvania college or university is presumed not be to a Pennsylvania resident. A student under 22 years of age is presumed to have the residency of his or her parents or legal guardians.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment

Tuition assessment at Temple University is based on full-time or part-time status. Undergraduate students are considered full-time students when carrying between 12-18 semester hours (s.h.). Credits in excess of 18 s.h. There is no distinction between full-time and part-time graduate tuition rates. Undergraduates are considered part-time students when taking fewer than 12 s.h. per semester. The full-time semester tuition is assessed to students who register for 12-18 credit hours per academic semester. The full-time annual tuition consists of the fall and spring semesters. There are additional charges associated with summer registration. The full-time overload is assessed to full-time students who register for credit hours exceeding 18 per academic semester. Each credit hour over 18 is assessed at this per credit hour rate. The part-time rate is assessed to students who register for less than 12 credit hours per academic semester. Each credit hour registered is assessed at the part-time rate.

Read also: Rhode Island Tuition Guide

Additional Fees

All students are assessed the University Services Fee during each academic semester based upon the number of credit hours they register for. A one-time charge is assessed of all first-year students who are degree-seeking candidates in their initial semester after admittance. This fee includes the student orientation program. The rate for undergraduate students is $242.00 and the rate for graduate students is $85.00. All students are assessed the non-refundable University Services Fee every semester. Certain courses charge additional fees such as lab fees, etc. All students will be assessed a $100.00 late registration fee for initial registrations beginning the first day of the term. Tuition payments not received by the final semester due date will be subject to a $200.00 late payment fee. If a paper or electronic check payment is returned by the bank because of insufficient funds, a closed account, an invalid account number or other reasons, a $25.00 returned check fee will be assessed. If an account indicates a history of returned checks, the University reserves the right to suspend a student's check payment privileges.

Tuition Guarantee Plans

Tuition at time of first enrollment guaranteed only to students making advance payment

Understanding Total Cost vs. Net Price

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Temple University, the total cost is $39,276 for in-state students and $54,641 for out-of-state students.

The net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

The average net price, which takes into account grants and scholarships, is a more realistic estimate of what students actually pay. The average net price is $29,641 per year.

Read also: Emory University Tuition

Beyond Tuition: Other Expenses

While tuition forms a significant portion of college costs, students should also budget for other essential expenses:

Books and Supplies

Costs vary by program, course load and class selection. You can check with your academic program for costs specific to their courses. You have the option to buy books new, used books, rent books or utilize the university’s library system to keep costs low. The estimated cost for books and supplies is around $1,250 per year.

Housing and Food

Living on campus: Housing component is based on the median of residence hall costs. The food budget is based on the J&H unlimited meal plan. Direct costs vary based on selection from University Housing. Actual costs will depend on a student’s choice of housing and lifestyle. Students who live off-campus are provided with the same budgets for housing and food as on-campus students. We recommend students consider off-campus options carefully. Most off-campus leases are 12 months, but Temple’s on-campus options are nine months. Commuting: Students that live at home or with relatives have a reduced allowance in the budget.

Transportation

Transportation costs can vary widely depending on whether a student lives on campus, commutes, or uses public transportation. The estimated transportation cost is around $1,836 per year.

Personal Expenses

This allowance represents other expenses related to your education, including: transportation, loan fees, cell phones, clothing, personal hygiene items and entertainment. Actual costs may vary, but the financial aid budget is allowing for about $96 per week.

Read also: Affording CPCC

Financial Aid: Making Temple Affordable

Temple University is committed to making education affordable. It’s why all students are automatically considered for academic scholarships during the application process. Financial aid opportunities can help you finance your education at Temple. We award more than $100 million in scholarships each year.

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid can come in various forms:

Grants: These are need-based and do not need to be repaid. Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back. $12,934
Scholarships: These can be merit-based or need-based and do not need to be repaid. Seventy percent of eligible first year students receive need-based aid. In recent years, more than half of our students were offered merit-based scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to full tuition.
Loans: These must be repaid with interest. Need-Based Loan Amount Loans must be paid back. $4,304
Work-Study: This allows students to earn money through part-time jobs to help cover expenses. Federal work-study (FWS) is a Federal Grant that allows students to earn funding via a bi-weekly paycheck to help cover educational expenses. Federal work-study funding is not applied towards tuition and fees on a student's account balance. Students must work in an approved work-study position to earn the funding. To qualify, students must have a completed FAFSA on file that demonstrates financial need and meet applicable financial aid eligibility requirements. Eligible students can view their financial aid offer within the Cost & Aid tab of their TUPortal. Students must accept the offer of FWS within the Self-Service Banner (SSB) section of their TUportal to utilize the funding. On-campus positions are posted on the Temple University Human Resources web site. Off-campus positions are posted on the Work-Study Job Bank. All students who wish to work at an off-campus employer must first meet with Student Financial Services to see if their employer is approved for participation in the program. Workman's Compensation insurance covers students employed on each Temple University campus. Temple University will not bear responsibility for injuries occurring at off-campus employers.

Financial Aid Statistics

Students Receiving Financial Aid 67%
Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid 97%
Average Aid Packages Awarded $17,833

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa, online each year for financial aid consideration and/or renewal. Priority consideration is given to new and renewal applications received by the federal processor by this date. Federal regulations require that the Office of Student Financial Services reviews all student financial aid applications (FAFSA information) for accuracy. Submission of requested requirements is required within thirty days. Your financial aid eligibility will be outlined in the financial aid offer.
Financial Aid Application Due Feb 1. The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork. Priority Application Due Feb 1. Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.
All students who receive federal student loans are required by federal regulations to complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment, a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Interview, studentaid.gov/.

Understanding the Student Aid Index (SAI)

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is determined by a federal formula based on information reported on a student's FAFSA application. The SAI is an eligibility index number used to determine a student's eligibility for student financial aid. This number results from the information a student and/or parent provided in the FAFSA application.

Additional Financial Aid Resources

Other sources exist that may be available to students for educational assistance: outside scholarships/grants, military education benefits, and/or tuition remission.

Payment Options and Policies

Acceptable Forms of Payment

Acceptable forms of payment include tuition remission forms, checks (paper and electronic), cash, credit cards and money orders. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Temple University. Credit cards accepted for online payment only through TUpay include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

Payment Plans

Students are encouraged to pay the total account balance by the due date. In doing so, students avoid any payment plan fees and late payment fees. Please note that payment plans are offered for the fall and spring semesters only. For the fall and spring semesters, students that do not pay the total account balance will be automatically enrolled in the University's Deferred Payment Plan. The Deferred Payment Plan provides additional time to pay your balance. Students will be assessed a $50 non-refundable payment plan fee each semester if the total account balance is not paid by the semester due date. Students do not have to sign up for this payment plan. The University also offers the Temple Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) for those students who need an extended payment option. The plan allows students to make up to ten regularly scheduled monthly payments starting in May towards their future charges (five payments for fall and five payments for spring). The annual fee to sign up for this payment plan is $80.

Registration and Payment Responsibility

Registration for courses is not optional, and students must not attend courses for which they are not registered. Once a student registers for a course-or is registered by an advisor at the student's request-the student remains financially obligated for the course unless and until he or she drops the course by the prescribed deadlines for dropping and adding courses. Students may drop courses and otherwise modify their registrations in Self-Service Banner (SSB) or by working with an academic advisor. Once registered, students must pay tuition and fees according to the Bursar's Office due date schedule. Students who are not planning to attend the semester must drop their course registration. Students who do not drop classes by the end of the official drop/add period (See Academic Calendar for specific dates) remain financially obligated for the balance due. Students who drop classes by the end of the drop/add period of a semester or summer session will have their courses dropped. Students who withdraw from classes after the drop/add period are responsible for full payment of all tuition and fee charges, along with any payment plan fees, and late payment charges. These courses will be recorded on the transcript with the notation of "W," indicating that the student withdrew. Students who do not withdraw by the published deadline are responsible for payment of all tuition and fee and/or collection costs.

Refunds

A refundable credit balance may result on your student account because of financial aid / loan disbursements, over-payments and/or account adjustments. If the credit balance results from a credit card payment made within the last 90 days, the credit card will be refunded up to the amount of the payment first. Students can access Student Choice Refunds within TUpay and select their refund option as soon as they pay a deposit to the University. Refunds are issued to the student. If you are an Authorized Payer in TUpay, you may elect to receive your Parent Plus refund via direct deposit. To sign-up for direct deposit for Parent PLUS refunds, select 'Student Choice Refunds' from the TUpay menu and follow the instructions. If you are not an Authorized Payer on your student's account, the default refund method is paper check and there is no action you need to take.

International Students

International students are required to show tuition for 2 academic semesters + estimated living expenses of $15,000 + $8700 in estimated fees for books, health insurance and supplies etc.

To determine your estimated fees:

Navigate to tuition rates / tuition calculatorSelect "out-of-state / international"Select the appropriate level of educationSelect the appropriate College or School

**Graduate students who are charged on a per credit hour basis must multiply the per credit hour rate by 18 (nine credits each Fall and Spring to be considered full-time). If you are planning on taking more than 9 credit hours per semester, you should multiply per credit amounts accordingly.

Use this sample to estimate your fees

Fees	Per Academic Year
Full-time Tuition	Insert Tuition from "tuition calculator" remember to select "out-of-state / international"
Estimated Living Expenses	$15,000.00
University Services Fees	$1016.00
International Student Fee	$350.00
Other expenses (Books, Health insurance, ETC	$8700.00
If you are bringing a dependent	$4,000 for a spouse and $2,500 per child
Total Estimated Expenses	= tuition for your program + fees listed above + any dependent expenses

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Tuition is the only cost: As detailed above, students need to factor in books, housing, transportation, and personal expenses.
Financial aid covers everything: While financial aid can significantly reduce the cost, it rarely covers the entire amount. Students should explore all aid options and budget carefully.
Out-of-state tuition is unavoidable: Students may explore options for establishing residency to qualify for in-state tuition rates.

tags: #Temple #University #tuition #costs