Main gate and university flag at Temple University’s Main Campus in Philadelphia. Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Temple University maintained strong positions in several major international rankings. In the Carnegie Classifications this year, Temple became one of only 21 U.S. universities to hold both the highest research designation of Research-1 (R1) status and the Opportunity College and University (OCU) distinction.
Temple is a top-tier public research institution that maintains multi-campus system extending from Pennsylvania (U.S.) to Japan and Rome. Established in 1982, the Japan campus of Temple University (TUJ) is the oldest and largest branch campus of a foreign university in Japan. TUJ is an integral part of its main campus in Philadelphia. All TUJ students earn Temple credits and degrees directly from the main campus.
Top Carnegie Designations
Temple is among just 21 colleges or universities nationwide to receive a top designation in both categories in the updated 2025 release of the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Currently, 479 institutions have earned OCU recognition for providing access and supporting upward mobility for students in their communities. These institutions are considered national models for fostering student success.
Additionally, 187 universities the R1 designation for the highest level of research activity, meeting thresholds of at least $50 million in total research and development spending and 70 doctoral research degrees, based on a three-year rolling average or the most recent year’s data.
Other Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranked Temple among the top 50 public universities in the latest Best Colleges survey released last month. Temple was ranked No. 81 in the best value category and No. 102 in the national universities category. In the newly released Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2026, Temple was placed in the 401-500 group among the 2,191 elite universities across 115 countries and territories.
Temple University’s rankings in U.S. News & World Report were as follows (as of September 2025)
- 2026 Top Public Universities: #49
- 2026 Best Colleges for Veterans: #67
- 2026 Top Best Value Schools: #81
- 2026 National Universities: #102
In terms of graduate schools featured in the Japan campus, the U.S. News rankings included:
- 2025 Best Law Schools/Trial Advocacy: #2
- 2025 Best Law Schools/International Law: #13
- 2025 Best Education Schools: #40
- 2025 Best Law Schools: #50
For further details on rankings see: U.S. News & World Report – Best Colleges -Temple University
Other related stories
- Temple University’s Graduate Programs Climb in 2025 U.S. News & World Report Rankings (April 16, 2025)
- TUJ Leader Honored for Global Leadership with 2025 Diamond Leadership Award (April 14, 2025)
- Temple University Marks Historic Opening of New Kyoto Location (January 24, 2025)