Late last month, during Weeks of Welcome and Convocation, Temple University officially welcomed the Class of 2028 to campus. This group of students represents one of the largest incoming classes to enroll at Temple in several years. And, in keeping with a familiar trend seen in recent years, the class is richly diverse. In total, 62.3% of the class identifies as a student of color, which is the highest percentage in Temple’s history. 

“We are always so excited to welcome a new class of students here to campus, and that is no different this year,” President Richard M. Englert said. “The Class of 2028 represents an impressive group of bright minds, hard workers and creative thinkers, and we are eager to support them as they begin their educational journey. I have no doubt that they will go on to accomplish great things.” 

The Class of 2028 is made up of 4,926 students, which represents a nearly 30% increase from last year. Temple also welcomed 1,298 new transfer students this fall, which represents a 29% increase from one year ago. Enrollment for new incoming students in the graduate and professional schools is also up. 

Included among the new incoming students are more than 350 former and prospective University of the Arts (UArts) students. Since UArts suddenly announced its closure late last spring, Temple has worked diligently to support that community and ensure its students had an alternative path for starting or continuing their education.   

At a time when many institutions of higher education have faced enrollment challenges, the market is showing that there is value in a Temple University education. Parents and families recognize the quality and value it brings, which ultimately led to the enrollment increases in so many key areas this fall. 

“Temple is a remarkable institution. We are recognized for providing an excellent education, for our stellar faculty and for strong student outcomes. Our students go on to change the world, and that is because of the world-class instruction and learning experiences that they receive here,” Provost Gregory N. Mandel said. “Throughout this admissions cycle, we focused greatly on new recruitment strategies, which allowed prospective students to connect with faculty and staff so that they could see firsthand just how special Temple is. We also came together across schools and colleges, departments and divisions at the university to bring in this extraordinary group of new students. I am so appreciative of the dedication and professionalism across our community.” 

The makeup of the Class of 2028 is also indicative of Temple’s continued commitment to access and to creating opportunities so that talented students from all walks of life can pursue the world-class education that is a hallmark of this institution. For the fifth straight year, Temple has welcomed a record percentage of students of color, and this also marks the third straight year that more than 50% of Temple’s first-year class are students of color. 

A total of 29.6% of Temple’s Class of 2028 are Black students with 1,456 enrolled (up from 851), and 12.6% are Hispanic/Latinx/Latine students with 623 enrolled (up from 430). Additionally, the class is 15% Asian/Pacific Islander with 735 students enrolled (up from 677). 

The Class of 2028 are also standouts in the classroom. The academically strong group boasts an average GPA of 3.42, which is up from 3.38 last year. Nearly 530 students committed to joining the Temple Honors program, the highest number of Honors students in several years. These students boast a mean high school GPA of 3.98, and 50% of the new Honors students are students of color.  

Temple’s status as a global institution that draws students from across the world is also represented within the Class of 2028. Incoming international students are up nearly 65% over the last two years, representing 4.3% of the class. These students hail from 124 countries and territories. 

More and more students from out of state are also choosing to call Temple home. Out-of-state students make up 43.5% of the incoming class, which is a record percentage. 

While Temple's appeal to out-of-state students continues to increase, Temple’s role as Philadelphia’s public research university remains intact, and that is clear within the Class of 2028. A total of 1,101 students hail from Philadelphia, which represents a 68% increase from last year. Seven hundred and seven students have been verified as eligible for Temple Promise, with 489 receiving Temple Promise funds through census. The program was launched this year as a last-dollar financial aid grant program that is designed to make a Temple education more accessible and affordable for all qualifying admitted first-year, full-time students residing in Philadelphia County with a family adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less. 

Combining Philadelphia with the bordering Pennsylvania counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery, 44% of the Class of 2028 hails from the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area.   

The class is also exceptionally socioeconomically diverse. To that point, 46% of the class are Pell Grant recipients, which is up from 38% last year and the highest percentage in Temple’s history. The group also includes a record 40% first-generation students, up from 39% last year.  

“The Class of 2028 represents an exceptional group of young people, and it is wonderful to have them join the Temple family,” said Jose Aviles, vice provost for enrollment management. “They are diverse and unique in so many ways, but most importantly, they are ready to make their mark on the world. It is very gratifying to know that Temple’s access-driven mission is as strong as ever and that we continue to provide pathways to success for our aspiring scholars, both here in Philadelphia and across the globe.” 

Regardless of a student’s race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, they will have arrived on campus to find a community that is equipped to support them along their educational journey. Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL) at Temple works to meet all students where they are while providing a brave space where students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community are empowered to share and learn from diverse perspectives.