When looking for universities in Philadelphia, it's hard to overlook Temple University.

While it may not have the glamorous image of UPenn, you will encounter many Temple graduates in various fields while living in Philadelphia.

It is particularly prominent in business, healthcare, law, and media.

Temple University was founded in 1884 by Russell H. Conwell. Interestingly, it did not start as a university for wealthy students.

It began with evening classes designed for working individuals to study after their daytime jobs. The school still maintains an atmosphere that provides educational opportunities for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

The university is larger than one might expect. With over 30,000 students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate programs, it is a major research university located in North Philadelphia.

Well-known programs include the Fox School of Business, Klein College of Media and Communication, and Beasley School of Law, along with a medical school and dental school. With Temple Health centered around Temple University Hospital, it feels more like a vast educational and healthcare institution in the northern part of Philadelphia rather than just a university.

For parents, the most pressing concern is often tuition. As a state-related university in Pennsylvania, tuition differs for in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2026-27 academic year, the estimated annual tuition for incoming undergraduate students is about $21,744 for Pennsylvania residents and approximately $37,176 for out-of-state students. Additional fees may apply depending on the major.

Considering dormitory and meal costs, the estimated total cost of attendance for undergraduate students in the 2026-27 academic year ranges from about $37,000 to $47,000 for Pennsylvania residents, and from approximately $52,000 to $62,000 for out-of-state students. Of course, this amount does not equate to the actual bill and includes estimated costs for housing, meals, textbooks, transportation, and personal expenses.

Thus, for Korean families already living in Philadelphia, the advantages of Temple become quite significant. If they can commute from home while benefiting from in-state tuition, they can significantly reduce the burden of dormitory and living expenses. If they also receive scholarships and financial aid, the actual costs may be lower than the listed prices.

Transportation is relatively convenient. The Cecil B. Moore station on the SEPTA Broad Street Line is right next to the campus, and there is also a Temple University Regional Rail station. However, if you are visiting the school for the first time, it's good to know one thing: the area around the campus is a typical urban environment. Rather than thinking of it as a university sprawling in the suburbs, it's better to visit in person to check out the campus, surrounding environment, and commuting routes.

Sports are also an integral part of Temple culture. The Temple Owls compete in NCAA Division I and have a long-standing tradition in basketball. With a large student body, there are plenty of clubs and student activities, providing a typical American college experience.

If I were to evaluate Temple, I would describe it not as an "incredibly prestigious university" but rather as a practical urban research university.

Especially for students living in Pennsylvania considering fields like business, media, law, and healthcare, it is worth comparing. Instead of just looking at the university's name, if you calculate the actual costs over four years and the career paths after graduation, Temple could surprisingly be a realistic choice.