Skip to content

Georgetown University vs Howard University

Georgetown University is a private university in Washington, DC, and Howard University is a private university in Washington, DC. Georgetown University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 13% of applicants against 41% at Howard University. Georgetown University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $40,815 a year against $50,539 at Howard University. About 95% of students graduate at Georgetown University, compared with 69% at Howard University. Ten years after enrolling, Georgetown University alumni earn a median of about $103,494, against $63,066 for Howard University.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Georgetown University

Washington, DC · Private

Howard University

Washington, DC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,569
10,108
Acceptance rate
13%
41%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1390–1550
1090–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
31–35
22–28
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,815
$50,539
Full cost / yr
$88,741
$54,630
In-state tuition
$68,017
$35,810
Out-of-state tuition
$68,017
$35,810
Application fee
$75
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,064
$46,051
$30k - $48k
$12,155
$47,477
$48k - $75k
$18,329
$50,245
$75k - $110k
$26,459
$52,981
Over $110k
$57,403
$54,270
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
69%
Freshman retention
97%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$83,222
$47,379
Median earnings (10 yr)
$103,494
$63,066
Median debt at graduation
$15,500
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
10%
40%
First-generation students
16%
24%
International students
13%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 1
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 Georgetown University or Howard University harder to get into?
Georgetown University is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 41% at Howard 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, Georgetown University or Howard University?
Georgetown University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $40,815 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 Georgetown University and Howard University?
Before aid, Howard University costs about $54,630 a year and Georgetown University about $88,741. 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, Georgetown University or Howard University?
Georgetown University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,064 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, Georgetown University or Howard University?
Howard University is the larger of the two, with about 10,108 undergraduates against 7,569 at Georgetown University.
Does Georgetown University or Howard University have a better graduation rate?
Georgetown University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 69% at Howard University.
Do graduates of Georgetown University or Howard University earn more?
Georgetown University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $103,494 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,066 for Howard University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Georgetown University and Howard University require SAT or ACT scores?
Georgetown 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 Georgetown University and Howard University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1390–1550 at Georgetown 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?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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