# Howard University

Washington, DC. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/howard-university

Howard University is a private nonprofit college in Washington, DC with 10,108 undergraduates. It admits 41% of applicants, and admitted students average 1213 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $33,002 per year ($28,321 for families earning under $30,000). 74% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $69,682 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 41% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 30,342 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 10,587 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 560–670 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 530–650 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 22–28 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $58,032 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $33,002 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $28,321 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $28,262 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $30,273 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $31,722 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $41,046 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 10,108 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 74% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $69,682 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,750 (FY2024) |

## What Howard University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Howard University's acceptance rate?**

Howard University admits 41% of applicants, which makes it selective.

**What SAT score do you need for Howard University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 560–670 on SAT Reading and Writing and 530–650 on SAT Math; the average total is 1213.

**What ACT score do you need for Howard University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 22–28.

**Is Howard University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Howard University?**

In Fall 2023, 30,342 students applied to Howard University and 10,587 were admitted; 2,268 enrolled.

**Does Howard University consider legacy status?**

Yes. Howard University reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Howard University require an essay?**

Howard University reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Howard University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $58,032 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $33,002.

**What is Howard University's graduation rate?**

74% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 131520. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology