Temple’s mission has always been one of access and excellence. In keeping with that legacy, Temple University today reaffirmed that commitment with the launch of Temple Promise. This last-dollar financial aid grant program will play a key role in making a Temple education more accessible and affordable for students with high financial need who have earned admission to the university. 

“Higher education, at its best, serves as an economic driver and engine of social mobility. Temple Promise will be transformational for both the university and the city by providing more students with an affordable path to a college degree and reducing the burden of debt,” said Richard Englert, president of Temple University. 

The Temple Promise program is being implemented now for students who will attend in the fall of 2024. All qualifying admitted first-year, full-time students residing in Philadelphia County with a family adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less are eligible for this financial aid award. As a last-dollar financial aid grant, the funds are applied to a student’s financial account after all other grants and scholarships have been awarded and will cover all remaining in-state Pennsylvania tuition and eligible university fees.  

The new grant program aligns with the visions of our leaders at the city and state levels. It reinforces Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s recent blueprint for higher education, which details his recommendations focused on access, affordability, economic development and social mobility. Also, the program responds to a call by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker for educational and other programs that reduce poverty and transform family outcomes.  

To qualify for this new program, students must meet the following criteria. 

• Be admitted to Temple University as a first-year undergraduate student for fall 2024 

• Have a permanent Philadelphia address, legally qualify for Pennsylvania’s in-state tuition and graduate from high school in 2024 

• Attend Temple University’s Ambler or Main Campus 

• Enroll at Temple full-time (12–18 credit hours) 

• Be working toward their first bachelor’s degree 

• File the 2024–2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1, 2024 

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen 

• Have a total family adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less and have financial need as documented on the FAFSA 

“What drew me to Temple University is its history as an institution that was built on the idea of access and the notion that all students, regardless of background, should be able to pursue the high-quality education that is a hallmark of this institution,” said Jose Aviles, vice provost for enrollment management. “Temple Promise demonstrates our continued commitment to the never-ending pursuit of that mission.” 

The Temple Promise program comes on the heels of public validation of Temple’s enduring commitment to access and excellence, with the university’s first-ever appearance among the top 100 national universities in the rankings of U.S. News and World Report. The ranking and recognition were the result of a revised methodology by U.S. News giving weight to graduation rates, graduation rate performance and social mobility, criteria that have always been a focus for Temple. 

Temple has long worked to support talented students regardless of financial need. The Class of 2027 includes more than 1,450 Pell Grant recipients and 39% first-generation students.  

This new financial aid grant program furthers Temple’s commitment to supporting student success through initiatives such as Fly in 4, which recently celebrated its 10th year. Fly in 4 helps students stay on course academically and financially by offering them a clear four-year academic plan, helping to ensure that they graduate with as little debt as possible. The Temple Promise program also aligns with Temple’s Cecil B. Moore Scholars Program, which creates an academic pathway for Philadelphia public (district or charter) students living in the eight North Philadelphia ZIP codes that surround Temple’s campus. 

“The Temple Promise program ensures that talented students who have earned admission to Temple have every opportunity to pursue the excellent education that Temple provides, regardless of financial means. By easing the financial burden many admitted students face, the program enables ambitious, engaged students to join our academic community and sets them up for success in and out of the classroom,” said Gregory Mandel, provost of Temple University.  

For more information on the new Temple Promise, visit the program’s website. You can also contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 215-204-7200 or toll-free at 888-340-2222. 

Support for Temple Promise

“Just last week, I unveiled a bold, forward-looking blueprint for higher education in Pennsylvania focused on competitiveness and workforce development and grounded in access and affordability—a blueprint that will give Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed. The Temple Promise was built on that same principle: that Pennsylvanians deserve access to a higher education, no matter how much money their family makes or where they come from. I applaud Temple University for their leadership, and I look forward to working with the General Assembly and the entire higher education sector to increase access to affordable higher education opportunities and ensure we are training the workers and leaders our Commonwealth needs.” —Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro 

“Temple University's commitment to the Temple Promise, which provides vital financial aid to talented Philadelphia students, aligns with our 100-Day Action Plan for the Parker administration, which envisions close collaboration with our region’s universities, to establish an equitable, thriving educational system that empowers students across our city. Throughout my life, access to education has been the great equalizer, unlocking countless opportunities. The Temple Promise will ensure that Philadelphia students have access to the world-class education that is a hallmark of Temple University.” —Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker 

“Costs can be a barrier for students to attend college, so providing students with free access to high-quality post-secondary education can be a game changer for our students and their families. We are thrilled that Temple University is doubling down on its commitment to Philadelphia by making this significant investment in our students.”
—Philadelphia School Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D.