US CollegesGetting in
Howard University admits 41% of those who apply, which makes it moderately selective. The median admission rate of colleges on this site that report one is 77%. The average SAT score of admitted students is 1213 out of 1600 (midpoints: 600 in reading and writing, 585 in maths). The midpoint ACT score is 24 out of 36.
What it costs
| Tuition and fees for a year | $38,936 |
| Room and meals on campus | $18,982 |
| Books and supplies | $1,220 |
| Average full cost of a year (tuition, living, books), before aid | $58,032 |
| Average net price after grants and scholarships | $33,002 |
The net price is what students who got federal aid paid on average for a year after grants and scholarships were taken off. It is 10% above the median net price of colleges in District of Columbia on this site ($29,970). International students normally pay the published tuition and do not receive US federal aid.
Net price by family income
| Family income a year | Average net price |
|---|---|
| Up to $30,000 | $28,321 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $28,262 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $30,273 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $31,722 |
| Above $110,000 | $41,046 |
For students who received federal aid. A negative figure means grants were larger than the cost counted.
For an estimate that fits your own family, use the college's net price calculator.
Results
| Measure | This college | DC median | US median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students who come back for a second year | 91% | 83% | 73% |
| Students who finish their degree (within one and a half times the normal length) | 74% | 64% | 49% |
| Median earnings 10 years after starting | $69,682 | $58,920 | $53,132 |
| Median federal loan debt of those who finish | $23,750 | $23,438 | $19,994 |
Medians are the middle value of the colleges on this site in District of Columbia and in the whole country. Completion and return rates count first-time, full-time students. Earnings and debt count students who received federal aid.
The students
41% of undergraduates receive a Pell Grant, the federal grant for students from lower-income families. 56% take a federal student loan. The undergraduate body is 73% women and 27% men. By undergraduate numbers it is number 2 of the 12 colleges in District of Columbia on this site that report a size; the middle-sized one has 3,252.
Other colleges in District of Columbia of a similar size
- Strayer University-Global RegionWashington, private for-profit
- George Washington UniversityWashington, private nonprofit
- Georgetown UniversityWashington, private nonprofit
- American UniversityWashington, private nonprofit
- The Catholic University of AmericaWashington, private nonprofit
- Trinity Washington UniversityWashington, private nonprofit
Common questions
What is the acceptance rate of Howard University?
Howard University admits 41% of applicants, according to the College Scorecard.
How much is tuition at Howard University?
Published tuition and fees are $38,936 a year. Most students with aid pay less: see the net price.
What is the graduation rate of Howard University?
74% of first-time, full-time students finish within one and a half times the normal length of the course.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education, data released on 2 November 2026; checked in November 2026. Net price, debt and earnings describe students who received US federal aid. Costs change each year. This is official data for general information, not advice: confirm costs and admission rules on the college's own website and at collegescorecard.ed.gov.
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