Overview
Temple University and Villanova University are two esteemed institutions of higher education located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and they consistently rank among the top universities in the region. However, there are notable differences between the two schools, particularly in terms of their size, location, and academic offerings.

Size and Location
Temple University is a large, public research university with an enrollment of over 40,000 students. It is located in the bustling heart of Philadelphia, providing students with easy access to cultural attractions, internships, and career opportunities. Villanova University, on the other hand, is a smaller, private Catholic university with an enrollment of approximately 10,000 students. It is situated in the quiet, suburban township of Radnor, about 10 miles west of Philadelphia.
Academic Offerings
Temple University offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including over 150 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate and professional programs. The university is particularly renowned for its schools of business, law, and medicine. Villanova University is known for its strong liberal arts programs, as well as its schools of business, engineering, and nursing.
Research and Innovation
Temple University is a major research institution, with a research expenditure of over $200 million annually. The university’s faculty members conduct cutting-edge research in a variety of fields, including medicine, science, and engineering. Villanova University is also involved in research, but to a lesser extent than Temple. The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Villanova Institute for Biotechnology and the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy.
Student Life
Temple University has a vibrant and diverse student life, with over 400 student clubs and organizations. The university also has a number of athletic teams that compete in the NCAA Division I. Villanova University has a more intimate, community-oriented campus. The university offers a variety of student activities, including cultural events, religious services, and athletic programs.
Cost and Financial Aid
Temple University’s tuition and fees are relatively affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students. The university also offers a generous financial aid program, with over $300 million in scholarships and grants awarded annually. Villanova University’s tuition and fees are higher than Temple’s, but the university also provides a generous financial aid program.
Rankings and Reputation
Temple University and Villanova University are both highly ranked universities. Temple is ranked among the top 200 universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Villanova is ranked among the top 150 universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Which University is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best university for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a large, public research university with a wide range of academic programs, Temple University may be a good fit for you. If you are looking for a smaller, private Catholic university with a strong focus on liberal arts, Villanova University may be a better choice.
Tables
Table 1: Key Facts About Temple University and Villanova University
Characteristic | Temple University | Villanova University |
---|---|---|
Location | Philadelphia, PA | Radnor, PA |
Size | 40,000+ students | 10,000+ students |
Type | Public research university | Private Catholic university |
Academic offerings | 150+ undergraduate majors, 100+ graduate and professional programs | Strong liberal arts programs, schools of business, engineering, and nursing |
Research expenditure | $200 million+ annually | N/A |
Student life | Vibrant and diverse, with over 400 student clubs and organizations | Intimate and community-oriented, with a variety of student activities |
Cost and financial aid | Relatively affordable tuition and fees, generous financial aid program | Higher tuition and fees, generous financial aid program |
Rankings | Among the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education) | Among the top 150 universities in the United States (U.S. News & World Report) |
Table 2: Undergraduate Majors Offered by Temple University and Villanova University
Major | Temple University | Villanova University |
---|---|---|
Accounting | Yes | Yes |
Biology | Yes | Yes |
Business administration | Yes | Yes |
Chemistry | Yes | Yes |
Computer science | Yes | Yes |
Economics | Yes | Yes |
Engineering | Yes | Yes |
English | Yes | Yes |
History | Yes | Yes |
Mathematics | Yes | Yes |
Political science | Yes | Yes |
Psychology | Yes | Yes |
Sociology | Yes | Yes |
Table 3: Graduate and Professional Programs Offered by Temple University and Villanova University
Program | Temple University | Villanova University |
---|---|---|
Business administration (MBA) | Yes | Yes |
Law (JD) | Yes | No |
Medicine (MD) | Yes | No |
Nursing (MSN) | Yes | Yes |
Pharmacy (PharmD) | Yes | No |
Public health (MPH) | Yes | No |
Social work (MSW) | Yes | No |
Table 4: Rankings of Temple University and Villanova University
Ranking | Temple University | Villanova University |
---|---|---|
Times Higher Education World University Rankings | Top 200 | N/A |
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges | Top 200 | Top 150 |
Forbes America’s Top Colleges | Top 250 | Top 150 |
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings | Top 300 | Top 150 |
Effective Strategies
For Choosing the Right University
- Research: Explore the websites of both universities and attend campus tours to learn more about their academic programs, research opportunities, and student life.
- Visit: Schedule a visit to each university to meet with faculty and students, and get a first-hand look at the campus.
- Apply: Apply to both universities to give yourself more options.
- Compare: Once you have been accepted to both universities, carefully compare their academic programs, cost, and financial aid offers before making a decision.
For Succeeding in College
- Study effectively: Attend class regularly, take good notes, and study for exams.
- Get involved: Join clubs and organizations to meet new people and get involved in campus life.
- Use resources: Take advantage of the university’s resources, such as the library, tutoring center, and career services.
- Seek support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from professors, classmates, or counselors when you need it.
Step-by-Step Approach
To Choosing the Right University
- Research: Explore the websites of both universities and attend campus tours.
- Visit: Schedule a visit to each university to meet with faculty and students, and get a first-hand look at the campus.
- Apply: Apply to both universities to give yourself more options.
- Compare: Once you have been accepted to both universities, carefully compare their academic programs, cost, and financial aid offers before making a decision.
To Succeeding in College
- Attend class: Attend class regularly to stay up-to-date on the material.
- Take notes: Take good notes to help you remember the information.
- Study for exams: Study for exams by reviewing your notes, reading the textbook, and completing practice questions.
- Get involved: Join clubs and organizations to meet new people and get involved in campus life.
- Use resources: Take advantage of the university’s resources, such as the library, tutoring center, and career services.
- Seek support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from professors, classmates, or counselors when you need it.