Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Temple University

Temple's Health Sciences bachelor's produces graduates earning nearly $30,000 in their first year—roughly $6,000 below Pennsylvania's median for this program and significantly trailing the state's top performers. While the debt load of $26,000 looks manageable on paper, the sub-$30,000 starting salary creates real financial strain. In Pennsylvania alone, more than half of similar programs launch graduates into better-earning positions, with Thomas Jefferson and Alvernia nearly doubling Temple's outcomes.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 means graduates face nearly a full year's salary in educational debt for earnings that lag both state and national averages. This is particularly concerning given Temple's 83% admission rate and the fact that 30% of students rely on Pell grants—populations that can least afford a slow financial start. Among Pennsylvania's 25 programs, Temple lands at the 40th percentile, placing it in the bottom tier of state options despite being a major urban university.

For families considering Temple's health sciences program, understand that you're paying similar debt for substantially lower returns than comparable Pennsylvania schools. Unless your child has specific Temple connections or scholarship opportunities that dramatically reduce costs, exploring higher-performing in-state alternatives would likely serve your family's financial interests better.