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American University vs Howard University

American University is a private university in Washington, DC. Howard University is a private university in Washington, DC. Howard University admits about 41% of applicants and American University about 62%, making Howard University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $41,943 a year at American University after aid, and about $50,539 at Howard University. About 77% of students graduate at American University, compared with 69% at Howard University. Ten years after enrolling, American University alumni earn a median of about $77,370, against $63,066 for Howard University.

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American University

Washington, DC · Private

Howard University

Washington, DC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,266
10,108
Acceptance rate
62%
41%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1280–1460
1090–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,943
$50,539
Full cost / yr
$76,058
$54,630
In-state tuition
$58,771
$35,810
Out-of-state tuition
$58,771
$35,810
Application fee
$75
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,233
$46,051
$30k - $48k
$20,444
$47,477
$48k - $75k
$26,035
$50,245
$75k - $110k
$30,063
$52,981
Over $110k
$53,673
$54,270
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
69%
Freshman retention
88%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,328
$47,379
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,370
$63,066
Median debt at graduation
$22,750
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
40%
First-generation students
16%
24%
International students
5%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is American University or Howard University harder to get into?
Howard University is harder to get into. It admits about 41% of applicants, compared with 62% at American University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, American University or Howard University?
American University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $41,943 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $50,539 at Howard University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at American University and Howard University?
Before aid, Howard University costs about $54,630 a year and American University about $76,058. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, American University or Howard University?
American University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $23,233 there, against about $46,051 at Howard University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, American University or Howard University?
Howard University is the larger of the two, with about 10,108 undergraduates against 7,266 at American University.
Does American University or Howard University have a better graduation rate?
American University has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 69% at Howard University.
Do graduates of American University or Howard University earn more?
American University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,370 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,066 for Howard University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do American University and Howard University require SAT or ACT scores?
American University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Howard University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do American University and Howard University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1280–1460 at American University and 1090–1320 at Howard University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school