Real Estate at Temple University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Temple's real estate program lags behind both national averages and Pennsylvania competitors, with first-year earnings of $48,836 falling $5,800 below the national median and a striking $13,400 below Pennsylvania's median. Among the state's four real estate programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of Pennsylvania graduates in this field earn more. For context, Villanova's real estate graduates start at $75,702, more than 50% higher.
The debt load of $23,811 is reasonable and actually below Pennsylvania's median, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49. The 21% earnings growth over four years shows positive momentum, bringing graduates to nearly $59,000 by year four. However, this still trails what peers earn immediately after graduation at stronger programs.
The major caveat here: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it less reliable than programs with larger samples. That said, consistently underperforming both state and national benchmarks suggests real concerns about career outcomes. If your child is serious about real estate in Pennsylvania, comparing Temple's career services and industry connections against competitors like Villanova—where the earnings premium is substantial—would be worthwhile. The lower admission standards at Temple (83% acceptance) may correlate with less selective employer recruiting, which could explain the earnings gap.
Where Temple University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all real estate bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Temple University graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 26th percentile of all real estate bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Real Estate bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | $48,836 | $58,991 | $23,811 | 0.49 |
| Villanova University | $75,702 | $101,813 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $54,665 | — | $21,126 | 0.39 |
Other Real Estate Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova University Villanova | $64,701 | $75,702 | $27,000 |
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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.