Overview
Did you know that Howard University, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the most renowned historically black universities in the United States? Founded in 1867, Howard is known for its strong programs in medicine, law, and the arts. The campus features the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, one of the world's largest repositories of information on people of African descent, and the Howard University Hospital, a teaching hospital.
There are currently 9,604 undergraduates at Howard and the school’s acceptance rate is 35%. The tuition at Howard is $33,344.
University
City
SupplementalEssay
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$54,630
$6,711
$47,919
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$54,630The sticker price at Howard is $54,630. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Howard would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Howard University Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Howard University, you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the form even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Howard University is 001448.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out Scholarships360’s How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more college scholarshipsPell Grants at Howard University
42% of students at Howard University receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Howard. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Howard University Financial Aid Resources
For more information about financial aid at Howard, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://www2.howard.edu/student-financial-services
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 855-490-2875
Admissions
35%
24
1160
1160 is the median SAT score and 24 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Howard. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Does Howard have a supplemental essay?
Yes, Howard University includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer Howard's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Howard Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Howard test-optional?
Howard University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
What test scores do you need to get into Howard University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Howard University receive between a 22 and a 28 on their ACT, or a 1070 and a 1268 on their SAT.
Early Action
Early Decision I
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Howard?
Students must apply by February 1 to enroll at Howard during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Howard students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Howard, remember that the deadline is November 1.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
11:1
Graduation Rate
69%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
16%
16% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
13%
13% of graduates
Social Sciences
12%
12% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
11%
11% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
9%
9% of graduates
Psychology
8%
8% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
5%
5% of graduates
Engineering
4%
4% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
4%
4% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
4%
4% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
3%
3% of graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services
3%
3% of graduates
Architecture
2%
2% of graduates
Physical Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Education
1%
1% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Mathematics
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
9,604
Pell Grant 41%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 3%
Undergrad Students Over 25 2%
Percent Male / Female 27% / 73%
Ethnic Diversity at Howard
71% Black
8% Unknown
7% Hispanic
5% Multiracial
5% International / Non-Citizen
3% Asian / Pacific Islander
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$63,066
Median Debt $24,500
Debt 10 years after graduation $260
Graduation Rate 69%
What is the graduation rate at Howard University?
69% of students who start at Howard University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 11% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Howard University go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Howard University is $63,066. This is $12,675 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Howard University who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Howard take out in loans?
Graduates of Howard take out a median of $24,500 in federal student loans. This is $11,000 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
If you represent Howard University and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.
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