Howard University
Howard University is a private non-profit institution located in Washington, DC, offering 83 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. Howard University provides students with educational opportunities designed to prepare them for success in their chosen fields.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $33,344
- 2024 Average Net Price: $47,919 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 34.89% Selective
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 9,604 N/A% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 68.90%
- Average SAT Score: 1205
Costs
Tuition Costs
$33,344
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Howard University was $33,344.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$47,919
2024 Value
In 2024 Howard University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $47,919.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$191,676 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$47,919 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$133,376 4-Year Tuition
Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.
4-year total cost breakdown for Howard University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
40.53% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
57.12% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Howard University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
34.89% Acceptance Rate
This institution is selective, accepting about half of all applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1205
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.3 - 3.5
Estimated Median GPA: 3.40
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
N/A% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Howard University in 2024 is 9,604 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
N/A%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
59.75% 100% Completion Time
68.90% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 59.75% of students graduating from Howard University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Howard University.
Return on Investment
$24,500 Median Student Debt
$63,066 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
38.85% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
229.02% Return on Investment
3.9 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Howard University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 Programs Reporting Data
General Biological Sciences: 209 completions
Social Sciences: 196 completions
General Psychology: 182 completions
Law (JD): 152 completions
CIP 09.9999: 137 completions
Social Work: 127 completions
Computer Science: 97 completions
Health Professions and Related Programs: 97 completions
CIP 51.1201: 95 completions
Other/Unknown Programs: 2,912 completions
Most popular programs at Howard University.
Employment Outcomes
$47,379 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)
$54,819 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)
$63,066 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
Earnings outcomes for Howard University graduates.
About
Howard University is a private non-profit institution located in Washington, DC, offering 83 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 9,604 students. It is selective, with an admission rate of 34.89%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1205. The institution maintains a 68.90% graduation rate. Approximately 40.53% of students receive Pell Grants.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Location
Washington, DC 20059
Region: Mid East
Insights and Analysis
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 83 distinct degree programs, Howard University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.