Temple University: Inclusive Or Exclusive?

Temple University is a public state-related research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1884 by the Baptist minister Russell Conwell and has since expanded to 17 schools and colleges, offering over 640 academic programs and 160 undergraduate majors. The university has a total enrollment of approximately 37,236 students, with 24,915 undergraduates and 7,428 graduate students. The undergraduate population is 56% women and 44% men, and the racial/ethnic breakdown of undergraduates includes Black or African American and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students. While the majority of students at Temple University are White, the university has been described as a predominantly white institution (PWI) with an undergraduate student population that is more than 55% white and less than 13% Black.

Temple University's racial demographics

Temple University is a predominantly white institution (PWI) with a total enrollment of approximately 37,236 students, including 24,915 undergraduates and 7,428 graduate students. The undergraduate student population is 56% women and 44% men, while the graduate student population is 57% women and 43% men.

The racial demographics of Temple University's undergraduate population are as follows: 48.5% White, 14.7% Black or African American, 13.5% Asian, 8.74% Hispanic or Latino, 3.77% Two or More Races, 0.133% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0572% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

In terms of degree recipients, the racial/ethnic breakdown is similar, with 5,284 degrees awarded to White students, 1,114 to Asian students, 1,067 to Black or African American students, and smaller numbers for other racial/ethnic groups.

While Temple University is a PWI, it has been recognised for its commitment to diversity and access. The Class of 2027 was the most diverse in the university's history, with 57% of students identifying as people of colour. This was an increase from previous years, with 51% in 2022, 45% in 2021, and 42% in 2020.

The history of Temple University

Temple University was founded in 1884 by the Grace Baptist Church of Philadelphia and its pastor, Russell Conwell, a Yale-educated lawyer, ordained Baptist minister, and former Union Army soldier. One evening in June 1884, a young man named Charles Davies, who aspired to become a minister but could not afford the tuition fees, approached Conwell after a service and asked if he would tutor him at night. Conwell agreed, and Davies showed up to the first class with six friends. By the third class, the number of students had reached forty. Conwell began tutoring working-class citizens at night in the basement of his Baptist Temple (hence the origin of the university's name and mascot).

Conwell's night classes quickly grew popular within the North Philadelphia area. The Grace Baptist Church created a board of trustees, which named Conwell president of the Temple College. In 1888, Conwell received a charter of incorporation for "The Temple College". However, despite the college's growing student body, state and federal education agencies refused to identify Temple as a legitimate college-level institution. In 1888, Philadelphia granted a charter to establish the Temple College of Philadelphia, but the city refused to grant authority to award academic degrees.

Over the following decades, Temple expanded its programs and student body. Samaritan Hospital (now Temple University Hospital) was founded by the Grace Baptist Church in 1892, and Temple added a medical school in 1901. In 1906, Temple merged with Garretson Hospital and the Philadelphia Dental College. On December 12, 1907, Temple officially reincorporated as Temple University. The School of Nursing was established in 1911, followed by the Teacher's College in 1914. Russell Conwell died in 1925 after a 38-year presidency at Temple, and is buried at the Founder's Garden on campus.

In 1954, Temple's board of trustees pledged to grow the campus to 210 acres. That year, Temple purchased 11.5 acres of the adjacent Monument Cemetery, displacing hundreds of North Philadelphia residents in the process. In 1965, Temple became a Pennsylvania state-related university, meaning it receives state funds but is independently operated. In 1969, the Steering Committee for Black Students pushed for more community voices involved in Temple's plans for expansion, as well as special admissions for Hispanic and African-American students.

Today, Temple University is the second-largest university in Pennsylvania by enrollment, with approximately 30,005 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students as of 2024. It has a worldwide alumni base of 378,012, with 352,175 alumni residing in the United States. Temple has six campuses and sites across Pennsylvania, as well as international campuses in Rome and Japan.

The student experience at Temple University

Temple University is a diverse and inclusive space for students from all backgrounds. The university offers a range of academic programs and resources to support its students in their educational journey. Here is what you can expect as a student at Temple University:

Diversity and Inclusivity

Temple University has a diverse student population, with approximately 37,236 students enrolled, including undergraduates, graduates, and professionals. The student body comprises 56% women and 44% men, with a high number of female students and teachers. The university also has a large international community, with students from 132 countries represented on campus. The university welcomes students from all nationalities and provides support services for international students, including the International Student Affairs (ISA) office and the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office.

Academic Programs and Resources

Temple University offers over 640 academic programs and 160 undergraduate majors across 17 schools and colleges, including five professional schools. The university has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, ensuring that students receive personalised attention and support. The schools and colleges cover a wide range of disciplines, such as business, education, media and communication, science and technology, and theater and film. The university also offers research opportunities, with high research activity spending.

Student Life and Activities

Temple University provides a range of student housing options, with eight residence halls accommodating over 4,000 students. The university also has a variety of student organisations and groups, including fraternities and sororities, as well as over 450 student organisations covering various interests such as academics, arts, culture, and recreation. The university's Main Campus Program Board organises events, trips, and speakers for the student community. Additionally, the university has recreational facilities, including the Howard Gittis Student Center, which offers a movie theater, food court, game room, and meeting spaces.

Health and Wellness

Temple University prioritises the health and wellness of its students and requires them to have adequate health insurance coverage. The university provides resources and support for immunisations and COVID-19 vaccinations. The university also offers mental health resources and diversity and inclusivity initiatives to ensure the well-being of its student body.

Campus Locations

Temple University has six campuses across Pennsylvania and two international campuses, offering students a range of locations and experiences. The main campus is located in the Cecil B. Moore neighbourhood of North Philadelphia, while other campuses include the Health Sciences Campus, the Podiatric Medicine Campus, the Center City Campus, and the Ambler Campus. The international campuses are located in Rome, Italy, and Tokyo, Japan, providing students with global study opportunities.

The application process for Temple University

Temple University is a predominantly white institution (PWI), with an undergraduate student population that is more than 55% white and less than 13% Black. The university offers over 500 academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates, professional degrees and certifications, and continuing studies opportunities.

Step 1: Determine Your Student Type

Temple University has different application processes for different types of students. First-year students, transfer students, international students, and military and veteran students each have their own application process. It is important to identify which category you belong to before starting your application.

Step 2: Meet the Requirements

Before submitting your application, ensure that you meet the requirements for your intended program. Temple University has specific admission requirements and application deadlines for each program. International applicants, in particular, may need to provide additional documents to complete their application.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Create an account on MyTU and submit your application for admission. A non-refundable application fee is typically required when submitting your application.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Materials

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive instructions on how to provide any additional supporting materials. These may include transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, or other program-specific requirements.

Step 5: Stay Informed

Throughout the application process, Temple University will provide updates on your application status via email. Be sure to add the university's email address (educate@temple.edu) to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications.

The location of Temple University

Temple University's main campus is located in the Cecil B. Moore neighbourhood of North Philadelphia, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of Center City. It occupies 118 acres (48 hectares) and is home to over 10,000 students who live on or around the campus. The university's symbol, the Temple "T", is a cherry and white emblem designed by students in a graphic arts and design class in 1983. The colours were standardised in 2008 to Pantone Matching System (PMS) 201.

The university's Main Campus offers a wide variety of undergraduate academic programs, schools and colleges, and student housing. It also provides state-of-the-art facilities for students to meet, create, innovate and study. The campus has 18 Division I sports teams and more than 250 student organisations. It also offers access to professional internships and experiences in Philadelphia.

Temple University has six campuses and sites across Pennsylvania, plus international campuses in Rome and Japan. The Pennsylvania campuses include the Ambler Campus, Center City Campus, Health Sciences Center, Podiatric Medicine Campus, and Temple University Harrisburg.

The Ambler Campus is located about 15 miles (24 km) from the Main Campus and offers a small, beautiful suburban campus with the resources of a large, global research university. The campus has nationally acclaimed gardens and a close-knit community of students and faculty.

The Center City Campus is situated in downtown Philadelphia, just across the street from City Hall. It offers evening and weekend courses designed for working adults.

The Health Sciences Center is located in North Philadelphia and is home to four of Temple's medical-related schools and colleges, including the School of Pharmacy and the College of Public Health.

The Podiatric Medicine Campus is in downtown Philadelphia and is dedicated to professional students studying at the School of Podiatric Medicine.

Temple University Harrisburg is located in the state capital, offering a variety of graduate degree programs, certificate programs, and professional development opportunities.

Frequently asked questions