Temple University vs Grand Valley State University
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 60/100, a 4-point edge over Grand Valley State University. 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, Grand Valley State University runs $16,317 a year against $28,198 at Temple University - $11,881 more a year, or about $47,524 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Temple University graduates earn a median $63,727 against $56,118 at Grand Valley State University. The cost earns itself back in 8.8 years at Temple University and 9.7 years at Grand Valley State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Temple University owing a median $24,395 versus $24,500 at Grand Valley State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.58 and 0.65 - 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 | Grand Valley State Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $23,011 | $15,140 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,958 | $21,548 |
| Net Price (avg) | $28,198 | $16,317 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $112,792 | $65,268 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,200 | $37,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,727 | $56,118 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.0% | 67.0% |
| Payback Period | 8.8 yr | 9.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $24,395 | $24,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $259 | $260 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.58 | 0.65 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 77.1% | 70.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.8% | 68.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 80.4% | 83.0% |
| Enrollment | 20,970 | 18,854 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Temple University | Grand Valley State U... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $22,694 | $12,272 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $23,431 | $11,902 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $26,534 | $12,861 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $29,397 | $16,609 |
| $110,001+ | $34,947 | $22,534 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Temple University | Grand Valley State U... |
|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $104,311 | $69,603 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $101,670 | $94,330 |
| Electrical Engineering | $97,839 | $100,456 |
| Registered Nursing | $96,342 | $79,188 |
| Mathematics | $91,330 | $51,753 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,131 | $90,565 |
| Accounting | $85,777 | $80,153 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $85,011 | $71,348 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $82,570 | $79,324 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $80,364 | $59,476 |
| International Business | $65,302 | $80,324 |
| Chemistry | $78,052 | $70,611 |
| Entrepreneurship | $60,437 | $77,581 |
| Human Resources Management | $73,127 | $75,800 |
| Business Administration and Management | $75,632 | $61,553 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Temple University | Grand Valley State U... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 56 | 71 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 70 | 63 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 56 | 39 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 85 | 73 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 61 | 42 |
| Overall ROI Score | 64 | 60 |
The Verdict
It's close. Temple University edges out Grand Valley State University by 4 points (64 vs 60), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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Temple University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Grand Valley State University
Fair 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.