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Temple University vs Drexel University: which has better ROI?

Public, Philadelphia PA · vs · Private nonprofit, Philadelphia PA

The verdict

Drexel University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $154,036 in 4.2 years versus 7.3 years at Temple University, on median earnings of $84,648 vs $63,727 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTemple UniversityDrexel University
Net price / yr$28,198$38,509
Total net cost$112,792$154,036
Median earnings, 10 yrs$63,727$84,648
Median debt$24,395$25,325
Payback7.3 yrs4.2 yrs
20-year net return$194,548$571,724

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Temple University or Drexel University?

Temple University, at $28,198 a year after aid versus $38,509 — a gap of $10,311 a year, or $41,244 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Temple University or Drexel University graduates earn more?

Drexel University graduates report a median $84,648 ten years after entry, $20,921 more than the $63,727 at Temple University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Temple University or Drexel University?

Temple University: its completers carry a median $24,395 in federal loans versus $25,325 at Drexel University, a difference of $930. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

78% of students finish at Drexel University, against 75% at Temple University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Temple University vs Drexel University: frequently asked questions

Is Temple University or Drexel University a better value?
Drexel University. It clears its $154,036 net cost in about 4.2 years versus 7.3 years at Temple University, on median earnings of $84,648 vs $63,727 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Temple University or Drexel University?
Temple University: $28,198/yr net price after aid versus $38,509/yr at Drexel University — a difference of $10,311 a year, or about $41,244 over four years.
Do Temple University or Drexel University graduates earn more?
Drexel University graduates earn a median $84,648 ten years after entry, versus $63,727 at Temple University — a $20,921 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.