Temple University Scholarships 2025: Awards, Grants & How to Apply

Let's face it, trying to determine how to finance college isn't enjoyable. It's stressful. But here's the thing: Temple University Scholarships are available to make that aspect of the process a heck of a lot less stressful. Whether you're applying directly from high school, transferring from another institution, or even from overseas, Temple has something to assist you. And these are not small token recognitions; lots of them are significant, sustainable, and can significantly cut how much you worry about fees and tuition.

You don't have to be a debate team captain or valedictorian to receive assistance, either. Yes, there are Temple University merit scholarships that are generous, but there are also need-based grants, transfer student special awards, and even international student funding. The trick is knowing what's out there, how to go about applying, and ensuring that you meet the appropriate deadlines.

To wit, according to Temple University statistics, some 77% of full-time undergraduate students do get some sort of financial support, including federal aid, grants, and Temple University Scholarships. That is a significant segment of the student population receiving benefits. So think again if you think you are not going to be eligible for anything.

Let's go over all that you need to know, beginning with the categories of Temple University Scholarships you may qualify for and how they are distributed.

Temple University Merit Scholarships

These are the ones that praise students for their work, not their bank accounts. If you've worked hard in high school, good GPA, good test scores (if you send them), and good extracurriculars, you may qualify automatically when you apply to Temple University. No additional forms, no bizarre applications.

Here's an overall idea of what's available:

All merit awards renew for 4 years, as long as your GPA is kept up and you are enrolled full-time. Remember, Temple University Scholarships in the merit category are competitive; apply early to maximize your opportunities. Apart from these awards, Temple also screens students for particular honors programs and research fellowships, several of which are accompanied by additional Temple University Scholarships or stipends to aid academic endeavors.

Temple University Freshman Scholarships

New freshmen are automatically considered for most Temple University Scholarships when they turn in a completed admissions application. You don't have to fill out a secondary form unless you're applying for something highly specific, such as departmental scholarships or external support.

Temple uses a holistic review for freshman awards. 

• They’ll look at your GPA, class rank, extracurriculars, leadership roles, community involvement, and, if submitted, your SAT or ACT scores. Some awards, like the Temple University Academic Excellence Scholarship, are given to top-tier students who have demonstrated consistent high performance throughout high school.
• Here’s a tip: if you’re aiming for maximum consideration, apply by Temple’s Early Action deadline (usually November 1st). That’s when most of the big Temple University Scholarships get handed out.
• For honors students, there may be additional Temple University Scholarships to assist in the cost of study abroad, undergraduate research, or living-learning communities.

Temple University Transfer Scholarships

Transferring from another institution? Don't worry. Temple University Transfer Scholarships are offered to students who have a solid academic background in their previous institution.

Temple generally considers:

• Minimum 3.30 GPA at your most recent institution
• At least 30 college credits earned
• Timely application and transcript submission

Most awards for transfer students range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year, and some are renewable depending on your GPA after enrollment. If you’re transferring from a Pennsylvania community college, there are also articulation agreements in place that could help ease the transition, financially and academically.

Transfer students are also eligible for further departmental Temple University Scholarships if they enter into some programs, e.g., engineering, business, or the arts.

Temple University Financial Aid and Grants

Let’s talk about financial aid, because scholarships only tell part of the story. If you’re worried that merit scholarships alone won’t cover everything, that’s where Temple University Grants and other aid come in.

Grants are given based on need, and they never need to be repaid. Here are a few examples:

The office of financial aid also assists in stacking Temple University Scholarships along with grants, loans, and work-study to provide the best deal possible. After you submit the FAFSA (Temple's code is 003371), they will construct your package based on a combination of grants, loans, and occasionally federal work-study.

Temple University International Scholarships

If you're applying from abroad, don't worry, Temple University International Scholarships are very much a real thing. While you won't qualify for federal aid, Temple offers merit-based awards specifically for international students who come with a strong academic record and leadership experience.

Additional international students are also eligible for full or partial tuition scholarships, and a few of them are even given renewable Temple University Scholarships that cover all four years. The Temple University admissions department will automatically consider international applicants for merit awards, but it does not hurt to contact International Admissions directly if you would like to investigate additional aid options.

Temple's Office of International Student Affairs can also assist in finding you external Temple University Scholarships sponsored by international partnerships or global foundations. Just make sure you get everything in early; international scholarship consideration has more stringent deadlines.

Temple University Full Ride Scholarships

Yes, they do, and yes, they're highly competitive. A Temple University Full Ride Scholarship typically pays for tuition, housing, meals, and fees, occasionally even books and personal spending.

One of the better-known is the President's Scholar Award, a full-tuition award for students who have an exceptionally strong academic record. Full-ride awards normally go to the following:

• A near-perfect GPA
• High-performing test scores (when turned in)
• Leadership positions, volunteering, and other standout achievements

Early application (once again, before November 1st) is imperative for review. These awards are limited and often go quickly. In other instances, the full ride students also receive supplementary Temple University Scholarships to provide funding for enrichment courses or world travel.

A Quick Breakdown: Who Qualifies for What?

Nearly all Temple University scholarships and grants are renewable, which is to say that you can rely on them for four years if you are in good academic standing. That can equate to tens of thousands of dollars saved during your degree course.

A Few Tips Before You Apply

1. File the FAFSA as early as possible, Temple starts building financial aid packages as soon as it receives it. Check Temple’s scholarship portal if you’re a current student or planning to enroll. Some departmental Temple University Scholarships require a separate application.
2. Stay on top of deadlines. Early Action is your best friend when it comes to maximizing aid.
3. Follow up. If you’ve submitted everything and haven’t heard back, reach out to the Temple University financial aid office for clarification. They’re there to help.

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