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The Catholic University of America vs Howard University

The Catholic University of America is a private university in Washington, DC. Howard University is a private university in Washington, DC. Howard University admits about 41% of applicants and The Catholic University of America about 83%, making Howard University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $29,561 a year at The Catholic University of America after aid, and about $50,539 at Howard University. About 80% of students graduate at The Catholic University of America, compared with 69% at Howard University. Ten years after enrolling, The Catholic University of America alumni earn a median of about $73,250, against $63,066 for Howard University.

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The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC · Private

Howard University

Washington, DC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,154
10,108
Acceptance rate
83%
41%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1140–1320
1090–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
22–28
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,561
$50,539
Full cost / yr
$75,481
$54,630
In-state tuition
$58,378
$35,810
Out-of-state tuition
$58,378
$35,810
Application fee
$0
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,358
$46,051
$30k - $48k
$17,895
$47,477
$48k - $75k
$24,723
$50,245
$75k - $110k
$28,295
$52,981
Over $110k
$37,651
$54,270
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
69%
Freshman retention
87%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$63,217
$47,379
Median earnings (10 yr)
$73,250
$63,066
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
40%
First-generation students
10%
24%
International students
3%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 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 The Catholic University of America or Howard University harder to get into?
Howard University is harder to get into. It admits about 41% of applicants, compared with 83% at The Catholic University of America. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, The Catholic University of America or Howard University?
The Catholic University of America is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,561 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 The Catholic University of America and Howard University?
Before aid, Howard University costs about $54,630 a year and The Catholic University of America about $75,481. 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, The Catholic University of America or Howard University?
The Catholic University of America. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,358 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, The Catholic University of America or Howard University?
Howard University is the larger of the two, with about 10,108 undergraduates against 3,154 at The Catholic University of America.
Does The Catholic University of America or Howard University have a better graduation rate?
The Catholic University of America has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 69% at Howard University.
Do graduates of The Catholic University of America or Howard University earn more?
The Catholic University of America alumni earn more on average: a median of about $73,250 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,066 for Howard University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The Catholic University of America and Howard University require SAT or ACT scores?
The Catholic University of America is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Howard University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do The Catholic University of America and Howard University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1140–1320 at The Catholic University of America 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