Temple University vs West Chester University of Pennsylvania: which has better ROI?
West Chester University of Pennsylvania has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $93,324 in 7.2 years versus 7.3 years at Temple University, on median earnings of $61,258 vs $63,727 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Temple University | West Chester University of Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,198 | $23,331 |
| Total net cost | $112,792 | $93,324 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,727 | $61,258 |
| Median debt | $24,395 | $23,500 |
| Payback | 7.3 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $194,548 | $164,636 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Temple University or West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
West Chester University of Pennsylvania, at $23,331 a year after aid versus $28,198 — a gap of $4,867 a year, or $19,468 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more?
Temple University graduates report a median $63,727 ten years after entry, $2,469 more than the $61,258 at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
West Chester University of Pennsylvania: its completers carry a median $23,500 in federal loans versus $24,395 at Temple University, a difference of $895. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at Temple University, against 71% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. 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.