
Temple University has been described as a predominantly white institution (PWI), with white students making up 50% or more of the student body. However, the university has also been recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with its Class of 2027 being the most diverse group in its history, comprising 57% students of colour. The university has also been recognised for its high geographic diversity, with 27.65% of students coming from out of state and 4.18% from out of the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate student population that is white | 55% in 2019-2020 |
| Undergraduate student population that is non-Hispanic white | 55% in 2019-2020 |
| Overall student population that is white | 40% |
| Student population that is non-white | 57% in 2023 |
| Student population that is international | 4.18% |
| Student population that is out-of-state | 27.65% |
| Student population that is first-generation | 34% in 2022 |
| Student population that is Pell Grant recipients | 57% in 2023 |
| US News ranking of national universities | 89 in 2023 |
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What You'll Learn

Is Temple University a predominantly white institution?
Temple University has been the subject of some controversy regarding its racial demographics and the experience of non-white students on campus. While the university has always prided itself on its mission of providing an environment where students from all walks of life can enjoy a transformative educational experience, some students have questioned the reality of this narrative.
In 2019, Temple University was labelled a predominantly white institution (PWI), with an undergraduate student population that was more than 55% white and less than 13% Black. This sparked a debate among students about comparisons to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), with some claiming that their campus life mirrored that of HBCUs due to the large presence of Black fraternities and sororities, the number of Black social events, and the school's location in a Black neighbourhood. However, others pushed back against this comparison, arguing that the perception of Temple as a PWI negatively affects non-white students and that the university is, in fact, diverse.
One student, Maheen Shafi, shared her disappointment after two years at the university, stating that she still found herself surrounded by largely white spaces and had to specifically seek out non-white spaces. In contrast, another article from the same year mentions that 40% of the student body is white, while 60% is minority, making it much more diverse than the general population.
More recently, in 2023, Temple University received its highest ranking ever in the Best Colleges U.S. News and World Report, which revised its methodology to focus more on outcome measures, including graduation rate performance and social mobility. This ranking reflected Temple's commitment to diversity, with the Class of 2027 being the most diverse group in the university's history. This class had 57% of students identifying as students of colour, a record percentage of Pell Grant recipients, and first-generation students, as well as significant increases in international and out-of-state students.
While the exact percentage of white students in Temple University's current student body may not be readily available, the university has demonstrated a positive trajectory in terms of increasing diversity and providing access to a high-quality education for students from all backgrounds.
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What is the racial demographic of Temple University?
Temple University has been described as a predominantly white institution, with white students making up 50% or more of the student body. However, the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion has been a significant aspect of its mission. In recent years, Temple University has actively fostered accessible pathways to learning for students from all walks of life, regardless of their background.
In 2019, the undergraduate student population was reported to be more than 55% white and less than 13% Black. However, the perception of Temple University as a predominantly white institution (PWI) has been questioned by some students and faculty. The changing perception might negatively affect non-white students, shifting how the institution is viewed in terms of its diversity. Nevertheless, the university's surrounding area is steeped in Black history, and the large presence of Black fraternities and sororities, as well as numerous Black social events, contribute to a culturally relevant experience for students of colour.
In 2022, Temple University enrolled a record number of students of colour for the third consecutive year. The Class of 2026 was the most ethnically and geographically diverse in the university's recorded history, with no single ethnic group constituting a majority. This trend continued with the Class of 2027, which was the most diverse group in Temple's history, with 57% of its students identifying as students of colour. This class also included a notable proportion of Pell Grant recipients and first-generation students.
While the exact racial breakdown of the student body is not readily available, it is evident that Temple University has been actively promoting diversity and access to education. The university's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is reflected in its diverse student body and its efforts to increase opportunities for students from various backgrounds.
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Is Temple University diverse?
Diversity is a key part of Temple University's mission, and the university is committed to providing an environment where students from all walks of life can enjoy a transformative educational experience.
Temple University's Class of 2027 is the most diverse group in the university's history, with 57% of the class identifying as students of colour. This is the fourth consecutive year that the university has welcomed a record percentage of students of colour. The class also includes a record percentage of Pell Grant recipients and first-generation students, as well as sizeable increases in the percentage of international and out-of-state students. The university's overall student population is approximately 37,236, with 24,915 undergraduates and 7,428 graduate students. The undergraduate population is made up of 56% women and 44% men, while the graduate population is 57% women and 43% men. The university also has more female teachers than male teachers. In terms of geographic diversity, 27.65% of students come from out of state, and 4.18% are international students from 132 countries. The university has a good age diversity score, with 52.64% of students being of traditional college age (18-21), compared to a national average of 60%.
However, some students and faculty have questioned the university's narrative of diversity. While the university has a large presence of Black fraternities and sororities and is located in a Black neighbourhood in a majority-minority city, it is still considered a predominantly white institution (PWI). For the 2019-2020 school year, 55% of undergraduates were non-Hispanic white, and less than 13% were Black. Some students of colour have expressed disappointment at the lack of diversity in certain spaces on campus, feeling that they have to seek out non-white spaces. The perception of Temple University as a PWI may negatively affect non-white students and shift the perception of the institution, which has previously been seen as one of the more diverse universities.
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What is the historical racial perception of Temple University?
Temple University has been the subject of debate regarding its racial perception and diversity. While the university has a diverse student body that reflects Philadelphia's multicultural nature, there have been conflicting views on whether it is a predominantly white institution (PWI).
In recent years, Temple University has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion. The Class of 2027 is a testament to this progress, with 57% of its students identifying as people of colour. This is the fourth consecutive year that the university has welcomed a record percentage of students of colour. The university takes pride in its commitment to providing an inclusive environment for students from all walks of life, and this diversity is reflected in various socio-economic backgrounds, geographies, religions, and personal experiences.
However, some students and faculty members have questioned whether the perception of Temple University as a diverse institution is accurate. Maheen Shafi, a senior neuroscience major, shared her disappointment at still being surrounded by largely white spaces within the university. According to Shafi, actively seeking out non-white spaces was necessary to find a diverse community. This perception is supported by statistical data, indicating that for the 2019-2020 school year, 55% of undergraduates were non-Hispanic white, reinforcing the characterisation of Temple as a PWI.
The shift in perception has particularly impacted students of colour. Kimberly Goyette, chair of the sociology department, acknowledges this change and its potential negative consequences. Valerie Harrison, the senior advisor for equity, diversity, and inclusion, however, believes that even as a PWI, Temple University can offer a culturally relevant and affirming experience to students of colour. The university's surrounding area is steeped in Black history, and the city itself is majority-minority, providing a unique context for students.
While some have criticised the notion of focusing on race and dividing students based on skin colour, others have defended the importance of addressing institutional white privilege and capital. The dialogue surrounding Temple University's racial perception highlights the complexities of diversity and inclusion in higher education. It underscores the need to recognise and address the specific experiences of students of colour, even within institutions that promote diverse and inclusive environments.
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How does Temple University support students of colour?
Temple University is committed to building a diverse, vibrant educational community grounded in appreciation for others, open-mindedness, and respect. The university was founded on the principle that access to education is a right for everyone. The university's mission has always been rooted in access, and it takes pride in its commitment to providing an environment where students from all walks of life can enjoy a transformative educational experience.
Temple University offers various initiatives, academic programs, resources, and research rooted in equality and empathy to ensure that everyone has the support they need. The university emphasizes and welcomes authentic conversations about real problems on its campuses, nationwide, and worldwide. It continually evolves to address important topics and make necessary changes.
The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership (IDEAL), Title IX, and Equal Opportunity Compliance comprise IDEAL, which seeks to engage and empower the evolving community of students, faculty, and staff. IDEAL is dedicated to creating brave spaces and nurturing an inclusive campus community. It provides various resources and services through the Gender and Sexuality Inclusion Center to create a supportive environment and safe space for all, no matter how they identify.
The university also offers scholarships for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and international students attending college or technical school. Additionally, the Student Success Center provides tutoring and academic support for all students, including the University Writing Center, math and science tutoring, and study groups for specific courses.
Temple University has also demonstrated its commitment to combating racism. In 2020, the university committed $1 million to address racism on its campuses, in Philadelphia, and in society at large. Their initiatives include campus-wide anti-racism training, core curriculum changes, reinvesting in anti-racism education, creating the Center for Anti-Racism, and prioritizing the recruitment and retention of faculty and employees of color.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Temple University is a predominantly white institution, with white students making up 50% or more of the student body.
For the Class of 2027, 57% of students identified as students of colour, making it the most diverse group in Temple's history.
The total enrollment at Temple University is approximately 37,236 students, with 24,915 undergraduates and 7,428 graduate students.
Temple University has been ranked 554 out of 2,183 for geographic diversity, with 27.65% of students coming from out of state and 4.18% from outside the country.
The undergraduate student body is made up of 56% women and 44% men, while the graduate student body is 57% women and 43% men.











































