Analysis
Temple University's business program outperforms most Pennsylvania schools—graduates earn $60,375 four years out, placing them in the 60th percentile statewide and above the state median of $45,781. With debt of $27,000 and strong starting salaries around $49,000, students face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. The 24% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates gain traction in the job market, though they still trail elite private colleges like Albright by a meaningful margin.
The value proposition here is solid accessibility meeting decent outcomes. Temple's 83% admission rate makes it attainable for most students, while its Philadelphia location provides natural networking advantages in finance, healthcare, and corporate sectors. The debt burden sits right at national norms, but the earnings edge over other Pennsylvania public universities means graduates get a slight return advantage. For families comparing regional options, Temple delivers better financial outcomes than most state competitors without the premium price tag of smaller private institutions.
This program won't catapult graduates into six-figure careers immediately, but it provides a reliable path to middle-class earnings with debt that's paid off within a reasonable timeframe. Pennsylvania families seeking an affordable business degree with proven employment outcomes will find this a sensible choice.
Where Temple University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | $48,747 | $60,375 | +24% |
| Strayer University-Pennsylvania | $55,431 | $59,763 | +8% |
| Washington & Jefferson College | $45,911 | $59,080 | +29% |
| Albright College | $56,932 | $55,634 | -2% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $45,781 | $51,789 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $22,082 | $48,747 | $60,375 | $27,000 | 0.55 | |
| $28,794 | $56,932 | $55,634 | $33,500 | 0.59 | |
| $13,920 | $55,431 | $59,763 | $56,517 | 1.02 | |
| $28,185 | $45,911 | $59,080 | $26,085 | 0.57 | |
| $14,630 | $45,781 | $51,789 | $26,625 | 0.58 | |
| $14,646 | $45,781 | $51,789 | $26,625 | 0.58 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Temple University, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 190 graduates with reported earnings and 209 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.