Temple Acceptance Rate 2026: 86.2% Admit Rate, GPA, SAT, ACT & Admissions Guide
Direct answer: Temple University’s 2025–2026 Common Data Set reports 42,824 first-year applicants and 36,922 admitted students for Fall 2025. That calculates to an estimated 86.2% acceptance rate.
Temple is more accessible than highly selective universities, but it is not a “no-effort” application. Your result still depends on grades, college-prep coursework, test-optional strategy, STARS completion, essay, activities and major-specific requirements.
Use this page for the exact admissions questions students search: admit rate, GPA, SAT, ACT, Early Action, Regular Decision, Common App, STARS, Honors, portfolios, scholarships, FAFSA and what to do after applying.
36,922 admitted out of 42,824 Fall 2025 first-year applicants.
Temple’s Class of 2029 profile says this was the highest applicant count in school history.
Temple’s average Fall 2025 first-year profile GPA.
Average scores for Fall 2025 enrolled students who submitted scores.
Quick navigation for Temple applicants
Temple acceptance rate 2026: answer plus context
| Searcher question | Answer | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Temple acceptance rate 2026 | 86.2% using Fall 2025 Common Data Set numbers. | Temple is accessible for prepared applicants, but not automatic. |
| How many applied? | 42,824 CDS applicants; Temple’s Class profile lists 45,544 applicants. | Different official reports use different reporting definitions. |
| How many were admitted? | 36,922 CDS admits; Temple profile says more than 37,000 offers. | The acceptance-rate answer is high, but competitive details still matter. |
| How many enrolled? | 5,303 CDS enrolled; Temple profile says 5,379 enrolled in Class of 2029. | Admitted students still compare cost, housing, major and fit before depositing. |
| Is Temple selective? | Moderately selective overall with holistic review. | Apply early, complete STARS, and avoid a thin application. |
Temple GPA, SAT and ACT: what is competitive?
GPA answer
Average Fall 2025 first-year GPA: 3.46.
Stronger grades and steady course rigor help, especially if you apply without test scores.
SAT answer
CDS SAT middle range: 1030–1310.
50th percentile SAT Composite: 1200. Temple Fast Facts lists average SAT as 1213.
ACT answer
CDS ACT middle range: 23–30.
50th percentile ACT Composite: 27. Temple Fast Facts also lists average ACT as 27.
Test optional answer
Temple is test optional. More than 75% of applicants applied test optional last year.
Submit scores only if they help your academic story.
| Your situation | Best move | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| SAT 1310+ | Usually submit. | This is at or above Temple’s 75th percentile among score submitters. |
| SAT 1030–1310 | Consider submitting if the rest of your file supports it. | This falls inside the CDS middle score range. |
| SAT below 1030 | Test optional may be better. | Your transcript, coursework, essay and activities may tell a stronger story. |
| ACT 30+ | Usually submit. | This is around or above Temple’s 75th percentile. |
| ACT 23–30 | Consider submitting. | This matches Temple’s enrolled student score range. |
| Strong GPA, weaker score | Apply test optional. | Temple says scores are optional and not required for admission. |
Temple application deadlines and decision timing
| Timeline item | Date | What applicants should do |
|---|---|---|
| Common App opens | Aug. 1 | Start early and choose Temple’s Early Action or Regular Decision plan. |
| Early Action deadline | Nov. 1 | Best option for earlier review, earlier decision and better housing planning. |
| Early Action decision | By Jan. 10 | Temple says Early Action is non-binding. |
| Regular Decision deadline | Feb. 1 | Apply by this date if you miss Early Action. |
| FAFSA priority deadline | Feb. 1 | Important for aid review and programs such as Temple Promise. |
| Enrollment deposit deadline | May 1 | Commit to Temple and secure next steps. |
Temple application materials: what you need
| Requirement | Temple detail | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Common App | Temple exclusively uses the Common Application for first-year applicants. | Choosing a deadline plan and then forgetting portal requirements. |
| Application fee | $55 unless eligible for a waiver. | Waiting to request a waiver at the last minute. |
| Applicant Portal | Temple sends portal setup after Common App submission. | Not checking portal status after applying. |
| STARS | First-year students at U.S. high schools must self-report grades through STARS. | Thinking a transcript alone completes the application. Temple says it does not. |
| Essay | Temple’s Common App essay is optional, but the university recommends completing it. | Skipping the essay when your GPA, coursework or context needs explanation. |
| Recommendations | Optional; Temple reviews them if submitted and asks for no more than two. | Sending generic letters from people who cannot describe your academic ability. |
Temple recommended high school curriculum
Temple looks for a well-rounded academic background. These are the official subject units Temple lists for first-year review.
| Subject | Units | Applicant tip |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 units | Strong writing helps even if the essay is optional. |
| Mathematics | 4 college-prep units | Especially important for business, science, tech and health-related interests. |
| Foreign language | 2 units in the same language/culture | Do not switch languages casually if it leaves you short. |
| History / social studies | 3 units | Useful for liberal arts, communication, policy and social science paths. |
| Science | 3 units, including 2 lab sciences | Very important for STEM, health, biology and pre-professional goals. |
| The arts | 1 unit | Also matters for students applying to creative programs. |
| Other college-prep courses | 3 units | Use electives to support your major interest. |
Major-specific requirements: when Temple gets more competitive
Boyer College of Music and Dance
Some majors may require audition or additional supporting information.
Do next: check your exact major before submitting.
Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Some majors may require portfolio review or additional materials.
Do next: prepare visual work early, not after the deadline.
School of Theater, Film and Media Arts
Some programs may require audition, interview or portfolio.
Do next: schedule or submit materials before your application becomes rushed.
Honors Program
No separate application is required; all students are automatically considered with the regular application.
Do next: apply early and submit the strongest complete file you can.
Temple financial aid, Temple Promise and deposits
| Money question | Useful answer | Action step |
|---|---|---|
| FAFSA priority | Temple lists Feb. 1 as the FAFSA priority filing deadline. | Submit FAFSA early so aid can be reviewed on time. |
| Temple Promise | For Fall 2026, eligible first-year Philadelphia students with family AGI of $65,000 or less may be considered. | File the 2026–2027 FAFSA by Feb. 1 and meet the residency, campus and full-time rules. |
| Enrollment deposit | Admitted first-year students submit a $200 non-refundable enrollment deposit by May 1. | Deposit only after comparing financial aid and confirming Temple is your choice. |
| Housing deposit | CDS lists a $250 housing deposit and May 1 housing deposit deadline. | Apply for housing early because selection is first-come, first-served. |
| Financial aid package | Admitted student aid appears in the Applicant Portal. | Review grants, scholarships, loans, fees, housing and real out-of-pocket cost. |
Temple University student video guide
Watch this video for student-life context, then use the checklist below to connect campus fit with your admissions plan.
Temple application checklist before you submit
Official Temple links and sources
The key details are already summarized above. Use these official links to verify current rules before submitting or depositing.
Exact Fall 2025 applicants, admits, enrolled students, test ranges, test policy, application fee and deadline data.
Class of 2029 applicants, offers, enrolled students, 160+ majors, 17 schools, 440+ clubs and 12:1 ratio.
Deadlines, Common App, fee, STARS, curriculum, essay, recommendations and extra-material rules.
Temple’s official explanation of test-optional admissions and how to choose it on Common App.
Average Fall 2025 first-year GPA, SAT, ACT, academics, international profile and transfer profile.
Fall 2026 eligibility for Philadelphia first-year students, FAFSA deadline, AGI requirement and grant coverage.
FAQs about Temple acceptance rate 2026
What is the Temple acceptance rate for 2026?
Temple’s 2025–2026 Common Data Set reports 36,922 admits from 42,824 first-year applicants, which calculates to about an 86.2% acceptance rate.
How many students applied to Temple recently?
Temple’s CDS lists 42,824 first-year applicants for Fall 2025. Temple’s Class of 2029 profile separately lists 45,544 applicants, the highest number in Temple history.
Is Temple hard to get into?
Temple is moderately accessible overall, but your chances depend on grades, curriculum, application completeness, major requirements and whether you apply early.
What GPA do you need for Temple?
Temple’s Fast Facts page lists the average Fall 2025 first-year GPA as 3.46. Students below that should strengthen their file with rigorous courses, essay, activities and context.
What SAT score is good for Temple?
Temple’s CDS lists a SAT Composite middle range of 1030 to 1310 among score submitters. The 50th percentile is 1200.
What ACT score is good for Temple?
Temple’s CDS lists an ACT Composite middle range of 23 to 30 among score submitters. The 50th percentile is 27.
Is Temple test optional?
Yes. Temple is test optional. Applicants can apply without SAT or ACT scores by selecting test optional on the Common Application.
What is Temple’s Early Action deadline?
Temple’s Early Action deadline for fall first-year applicants is Nov. 1. Early Action is non-binding, and decisions are sent by Jan. 10.
Does Temple require the STARS self-reported academic record?
Yes, first-year students attending a U.S. high school must use STARS to self-report high school grades. Temple says sending a transcript alone does not complete the application.
How do I improve my Temple application?
Apply by Nov. 1, complete STARS accurately, show strong college-prep coursework, use the optional essay, include meaningful activities, submit test scores only if helpful and prepare portfolio or audition materials early if required.