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George Washington University vs Howard University

George Washington 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 George Washington University about 47%, making Howard University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $36,586 a year at George Washington University after aid, and about $50,539 at Howard University. About 85% of students graduate at George Washington University, compared with 69% at Howard University. Ten years after enrolling, George Washington University alumni earn a median of about $90,873, against $63,066 for Howard University.

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George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private

Howard University

Washington, DC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,182
10,108
Acceptance rate
47%
41%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1500
1090–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
22–28
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,586
$50,539
Full cost / yr
$83,856
$54,630
In-state tuition
$67,710
$35,810
Out-of-state tuition
$67,710
$35,810
Application fee
$80
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,440
$46,051
$30k - $48k
$17,292
$47,477
$48k - $75k
$22,080
$50,245
$75k - $110k
$28,100
$52,981
Over $110k
$55,337
$54,270
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
69%
Freshman retention
92%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$71,607
$47,379
Median earnings (10 yr)
$90,873
$63,066
Median debt at graduation
$20,449
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
40%
First-generation students
16%
24%
International students
7%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 5
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 George Washington University or Howard University harder to get into?
Howard University is harder to get into. It admits about 41% of applicants, compared with 47% at George Washington 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, George Washington University or Howard University?
George Washington University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,586 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 George Washington University and Howard University?
Before aid, Howard University costs about $54,630 a year and George Washington University about $83,856. 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, George Washington University or Howard University?
George Washington University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,440 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, George Washington University or Howard University?
George Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 11,182 undergraduates against 10,108 at Howard University.
Does George Washington University or Howard University have a better graduation rate?
George Washington University has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 69% at Howard University.
Do graduates of George Washington University or Howard University earn more?
George Washington University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $90,873 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,066 for Howard University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do George Washington University and Howard University require SAT or ACT scores?
George Washington University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Howard University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do George Washington University and Howard University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1500 at George Washington 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