Temple University vs East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Temple University comes out ahead: 64/100 to 51/100, a 13-point edge over East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania runs $18,134 a year against $28,198 at Temple University - $10,064 more a year, or about $40,256 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Temple University graduates earn a median $63,727 against $56,148 at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. The cost earns itself back in 8.8 years at Temple University and 10 years at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania owing a median $24,218 versus $24,395 at Temple University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.58 and 0.69 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Temple University | East Stroudsburg Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $23,011 | $11,536 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,958 | $19,502 |
| Net Price (avg) | $28,198 | $18,134 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $112,792 | $72,536 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,200 | $35,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,727 | $56,148 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.0% | 43.1% |
| Payback Period | 8.8 yr | 10 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $24,395 | $24,218 |
| Monthly Payment | $259 | $257 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.58 | 0.69 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 77.1% | 77.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.8% | 75.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 80.4% | 92.0% |
| Enrollment | 20,970 | 4,814 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Temple University | East Stroudsburg Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $22,694 | $15,365 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $23,431 | $14,511 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $26,534 | $17,382 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $29,397 | $21,135 |
| $110,001+ | $34,947 | $22,892 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Temple University | East Stroudsburg Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $101,670 | $104,026 |
| Registered Nursing | $96,342 | $97,321 |
| Mathematics | $91,330 | $48,828 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $82,570 | $58,287 |
| Chemistry | $78,052 | $73,146 |
| Biology | $72,134 | $63,320 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $63,714 | $55,237 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $62,061 | $60,249 |
| Hospitality Administration | $60,347 | $58,882 |
| International Relations | $59,848 | $42,428 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $59,764 | $58,113 |
| Public Health | $57,499 | $54,456 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $56,164 | $57,494 |
| Teacher Education | $55,494 | $49,724 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $52,739 | $55,303 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Temple University | East Stroudsburg Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 56 | 65 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 70 | 61 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 56 | 31 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 85 | 26 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 61 | 61 |
| Overall ROI Score | 64 | 51 |
The Verdict
Temple University has the clearly stronger ROI here (64 vs 51) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is noticeably better. That said, if East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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Temple University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.