Temple University vs University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus: which has better ROI?
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $121,736 in 6.9 years versus 7.3 years at Temple University, on median earnings of $66,125 vs $63,727 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Temple University | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,198 | $30,434 |
| Total net cost | $112,792 | $121,736 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,727 | $66,125 |
| Median debt | $24,395 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 7.3 yrs | 6.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $194,548 | $233,564 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Temple University or University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
Temple University, at $28,198 a year after aid versus $30,434 — a gap of $2,236 a year, or $8,944 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 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduates earn more?
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduates report a median $66,125 ten years after entry, $2,398 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 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $24,395 at Temple University, a difference of $145. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
86% of students finish at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, 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.