Private nonprofit Institution

Howard University — Washington, District of Columbia

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Annual Tuition $33,344

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 34.9%

Selective

Enrollment 9,604

Active Students

Avg. Salary $63,066

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Washington, District of Columbia

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Howard University stands as a pillar of higher education in Washington, providing a robust academic foundation for 9,604 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Howard University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Howard University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

15.5%

Enrollment Share

Communications

13%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

12.2%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

11.2%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

8.8%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

7.9%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Howard University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Howard University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Howard University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Howard University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 34.9%

Difficulty Moderate

Howard University maintains an acceptance rate of 34.9%, reflecting its status as a selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 27.3%

Women Enrollment 72.7%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 560 - 660

SAT Mathematics 540 - 638

ACT English 23 - 30

ACT Mathematics 21 - 26

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Howard University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $33,344

Out-of-State Tuition $33,344

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 40.5%

Median Student Debt $24,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $33,344, graduates see a median starting salary of $63,066, making it one of the most affordable pathways in District of Columbia.

What salary can Howard University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $63,066

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 68.9%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $47,919

Median Salary (6yr) $47,379

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Howard University in Washington?

9,604 Students

Gender Comparison

27.3% Men

72.7% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

90.1%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.4%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

3.1%

Black

71.4%

White

0.3%

Unknown

7.8%

Hispanic

6.9%

Two or More Races

5.1%

International

4.9%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 20

🎓

First-Generation 23.6%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 68.2%

💍

Married Students 0.9%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 50%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$66,680
Average Family Income	$58,082
Median Family Income	$40,386

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.6%

51.4%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Washington Campus Environment

Located at 2400 Sixth St NW, Howard University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of District of Columbia. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Howard University compare?

Direct Comparison Howard University vs American University →

Direct Comparison Howard University vs The Catholic University of America →

Direct Comparison Howard University vs the District of Columbia →

Direct Comparison Howard University vs Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies →

Common Questions about Howard University

Is Howard University a good college in Washington, District of Columbia?

Howard University is a recognized institution in Washington with an enrollment of 9,604 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in District of Columbia.

Is Howard University worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $63,066 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Howard University cost for District of Columbia residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Howard University is approximately $33,344. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $33,344. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Howard University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Howard University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 68.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Howard University good for Business & Marketing and Communications programs?

Howard University reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Communications. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Howard University?

Graduates of Howard University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $63,066, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Howard University?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Howard University's official admissions website.

Does Howard University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Howard University's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Howard University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Howard University earn a median salary of $63,066 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Howard University a good investment compared to other DC colleges?

Compare Howard University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in District of Columbia to judge value for your goals.

Where is Howard University located and what is the campus like?

Howard University is located at 2400 Sixth St NW in Washington, DC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 9,604 learners.

Who typically attends Howard University in Washington, DC?

The student body at Howard University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 23.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: District of Columbia

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Howard University with other leading institutions in District of Columbia across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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