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Howard University

Washington, DC·Private·~41% acceptance

Howard University is a private university in Washington, DC. It admits about 41% of applicants. The average net price after aid is about $50,539 per year. About 69% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $63,066 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost
$50,539/yr avg net price after aid
Full cost $54,630
Aid cuts ~$4,091/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines
ED
Nov 1
EA
Nov 1
RD
Feb 1

ED, EA and RD not confirmed with the college yet. Check their site before you rely on it.

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Your fit

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Admissions
GPA range3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)1090–1320
ACT (middle 50%)22–28
Test policyTest optional
Programs
Computer Science
Data Science / Statistics
Information Systems / IT
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Science
Outcomes
69%
graduation rate
91%
freshman retention
$47,379
median earnings, 6yr
$63,066
median earnings, 10yr
How Howard reads an application

What Howard values

Very important
Course rigorGrades (GPA)Test scores
Important
Character / personal qualities
Also considered
Class rankApplication essaysRecommendationsExtracurricularsTalent / abilityFirst-generation statusAlumni relation (legacy)Volunteer workWork experienceDemonstrated interest

From Howard’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What Howard requires

Required
Grades (GPA)Course rigorCollege-prep programRecommendationsApplication essaysTOEFL / English proficiency
Considered
Class rankTest scoresDemonstration of competenciesWork experienceAlumni relation (legacy)

From federal IPEDS data — what Howard requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions
When does Howard University release admissions decisions?
Howard University does not publish an exact date. Howard University lists Early Action decisions as late December. Howard University lists Early Decision decisions as late December. Howard University lists Regular Decision decisions as early April. These are quoted from its own admissions page: https://admission.howard.edu/undergraduate/first-year Checked 2026-09-12.
What is Howard University's acceptance rate?
Howard University admits about 41% of applicants.
How much does Howard University cost?
At Howard University, the average net price after aid is about $50,539 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $54,630 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Howard University?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1090–1320 on the SAT and 22–28 on the ACT.
What are Howard University's application deadlines?
Howard University's deadlines are Early Decision around Nov 1, Early Action around Nov 1, Regular Decision around Feb 1. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does Howard University value most in applicants?
In its most recent Common Data Set, Howard University rates Course rigor, Grades (GPA), and Test scores as "very important" in admissions decisions, and also weighs Character / personal qualities. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if Howard University is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at Howard University, side by side with your other schools.