What SAT score do I need for Howard University?

Howard University's middle 50% SAT range is 1090 to 1320. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.

What ACT score do I need for Howard University?

Middle 50% ACT range is 22 to 28. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.

What is the acceptance rate at Howard University?

Howard University admits roughly 41% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.

What does Howard University actually cost after financial aid?

Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $50,539 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.

Is Howard University a reach, match, or safety for me?

Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Howard University as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

Howard University

Washington, DC · Northeast

Acceptance rate: 41.3%
SAT mid-50: 1090-1320
Cost after aid: $50,539
Graduation rate: 70%

What Howard University says matters

How Howard University rates each admissions factor in its Common Data Set, with the full published numbers below.

Acceptance rate: 41%; 14,144 of 34,211
Yield: 19%; 2,738 enrolled
SAT mid-50: 1050-1250
ACT mid-50: 22-28
CDS year: 2024-25

Acceptance rate by gender

Men: 40%3,967 of 9,963
Women: 42%10,177 of 24,248

Very important

Rigor of secondary school record
Academic GPA
Standardized test scores

Important

Character or personal qualities

Considered

Class rank
Application essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular activities
Talent or ability
First generation
Alumni relation
Volunteer work
Work experience
Level of applicant's interest

Not considered

Interview
Geographical residence
State residency
Religious affiliation or commitment

The full Common Data Set

Every figure Howard University published for 2024-25, section by section.

First-Time, First-Year Admission137

Entrance Exams

Institutional Exam: Yes
SAT or ACT: Recommended

Applications

Total first-time, first-year men who applied: 9,963
Total first-time, first-year women who applied: 24,248
Total first-time, first-year men who were admitted: 3,967
Total first-time, first-year women who were admitted: 10,177
Total full-time, first-time, first-year men who enrolled: 672
Total part-time, first-time, first-year men who enrolled: 1
Total full-time, first-time, first-year women who enrolled: 2,063
Total part-time, first-time, first-year women who enrolled: 2
Total first-time, first-year students who applied: 34,211
Total first-time, first-year students who were admitted: 14,144
Total first-time, first-year students who enrolled: 2,738
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 581
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 217
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 53
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 32,271
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 13,032
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 2,582
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 1,357
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 894
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 76
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 2
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 1
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 27

Wait List

Number of qualified applicants offered a place on waiting list:: 5,972
Number accepting a place on the waiting list:: 476

Admissions Requirements

Total academic units: 17
English: 4
Mathematics: 3
Science: 2
Of these, units that must be lab: 2
Foreign language: 2
Social studies: 2
Academic electives: 4
Total academic units: 17
English: 4
Mathematics: 3
Science: 2
Of these, units that must be lab: 2
Foreign language: 2
Social studies: 2
Academic electives: 4

Basis for Selection

Rigor of secondary school record: Very Important
Class rank: Considered
Academic GPA: Very Important
Standardized test scores: Very Important
Application Essay: Considered
Recommendation(s): Considered
Interview: Not Considered
Extracurricular activities: Considered
Talent/ability: Considered
Character/personal qualities: Important
First generation: Considered
Alumni/ae relation: Considered
Geographical residence: Not Considered
State residency: Not Considered
Religious affiliation/commitment: Not Considered
Volunteer work: Considered
Work experience: Considered
Level of applicant’s interest: Considered

First-time, first-year Profile

Submitting SAT Scores: 0.47
Submitting ACT Scores: 0.16
SAT Composite: 25th Percentile: 1,050
SAT Composite: 50th Percentile: 1,140
SAT Composite: 75th Percentile: 1,250
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 25th Percentile: 560
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 50th Percentile: 620
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 75th Percentile: 670
SAT Math: 25th Percentile: 530
SAT Math: 50th Percentile: 590
SAT Math: 75th Percentile: 650
ACT Composite: 25th Percentile: 22%
ACT Composite: 50th Percentile: 25%
ACT Composite: 75th Percentile: 28%
ACT Math: 25th Percentile: 18%
ACT Math: 50th Percentile: 23%
ACT Math: 75th Percentile: 26%
ACT English: 25th Percentile: 21%
ACT English: 50th Percentile: 25%
ACT English: 75th Percentile: 29%
ACT Reading: 25th Percentile: 18%
ACT Reading: 50th Percentile: 23%
ACT Reading: 75th Percentile: 26%
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 700-800: 9.39
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 600-699: 39.75
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 500-599: 41.86
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 400-499: 8.76
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 300-399: 0.24
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200-299: 0
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Total: 100
SAT Math: 700-800: 6.58
SAT Math: 600-699: 25.98
SAT Math: 500-599: 46.79
SAT Math: 400-499: 19.01
SAT Math: 300-399: 1.64
SAT Math: 200-299: 0
SAT Math: Total: 100
SAT Composite: 1400-1600: 5.95
SAT Composite: 1200-1399: 31.14
SAT Composite: 1000-1199: 48.83
SAT Composite: 800-999: 13.69
SAT Composite: 600-799: 0.39
SAT Composite: 400-599: 0
SAT Composite: Total: 100
ACT Composite: 30-36: 20.6
ACT Composite: 24-29: 48.2
ACT Composite: 18-23: 28.2
ACT Composite: 12-17: 0
ACT Composite: 6-11: 0
ACT Composite: Below 6: 0
ACT Math: 30-36: 9.3
ACT Math: 24-29: 42.2
ACT Math: 18-23: 36.2
ACT Math: 12-17: 0
ACT Math: 6-11: 0
ACT Math: Below 6: 0
ACT English: 30-36: 27
ACT English: 24-29: 38
ACT English: 18-23: 29
ACT English: 12-17: 0
ACT English: 6-11: 0
ACT English: Below 6: 0
ACT Reading: 30-36: 40.2
ACT Reading: 24-29: 36.2
ACT Reading: 18-23: 20.3
ACT Reading: 12-17: 0
ACT Reading: 6-11: 0
ACT Reading: Below 6: 0
Average high school GPA of all degree-seeking, first-time, first-year students who submitted GPA:: 3.75
Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school GPA:: 100%

Admission Policies

Amount of application fee:: 45
Yes, by:: Yes
Amount of housing deposit:: 50
If yes, maximum period of postponement:: One Year
Number of early decision applications received by your institution: 348
Number of applicants admitted under early decision plan: 172

Transfer Admission26

Fall Applicants

Men: 297
Women: 612
Unknown: 0
Total: 910
Men: 233
Women: 468
Unknown: 0
Total: 701
Men: 73
Women: 117
Unknown: 0
Total: 190

Application for Admission

Fall: Yes
Spring: Yes
Summer: Yes
High school transcript: Not Required
College transcript(s): Required
Essay or personal statement: Required
Interview: Not Required
Standardized test scores: Not Required
Statement of good standing from prior institution(s): Not Required
If a minimum high school grade point average is required of transfer applicants, specify (on a 4.0 scale):: 3
If a minimum college grade point average is required of transfer applicants, specify (on a 4.0 scale):: 2.5

Transfer Credit Policies

Number: 15
Unit Type: D
If yes, please provide the URL where the policy can be located:: https://howard.edu/registrar/transfer-credit-articulation-agreements

Academic Offerings and Policies21

Special Study Options

Cross-registration: Yes
Distance learning: Yes
Double major: Yes
Dual enrollment: Yes
Exchange student program (domestic): Yes
Honors Program: Yes
Independent study: Yes
Internships: Yes
Study abroad: Yes
Teacher certification program: Yes

Required Course Work

Arts/fine arts: Yes
English (including composition): Yes
Foreign languages: Yes
History: Yes
Physical Education: Yes
Humanities: Yes
Intensive writing: Yes
Mathematics: Yes
Philosophy: Yes
Sciences (biological or physical): Yes
Social science: Yes

Student Life39

Percent Participating

Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 98%
Percent of men who join fraternities: 0
Percent of women who join sororities: 0
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 80%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 20%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 0
Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 95%
Percent of men who join fraternities: 61%
Percent of women who join sororities: 1.1%
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 92%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 45%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 2.0%

Average Age

Average age of full-time students: 18
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 18
Average age of full-time students: 20
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 20

Activities Offered

Campus Ministries: Yes
Choral groups: Yes
Concert band: Yes
Dance: Yes
Drama/theater: Yes
International Student Organization: Yes
Jazz band: Yes
Literary magazine: Yes
Marching band: Yes
Music ensembles: Yes
Musical theater: Yes
Opera: Yes
Pep band: Yes
Radio station: Yes
Student government: Yes
Student newspaper: Yes
Student-run film society: Yes
Symphony orchestra: Yes
Television station: Yes
Yearbook: Yes

Housing

Apartments for single students: Yes
Special housing for disabled students: Yes
Living Learning Communities: Yes

Annual Expenses28

Information

Please provide the URL of your institution’s net price calculator:: https://financialservices.howard.edu/tuition-fees/net-price-calculator

Private Tuition

Tuition: 37996
Tuition: 37996

All Institutions Expenses

Required Fees:: 940
Food and housing (on-campus):: 18982
Housing Only (on-campus):: 12380
Food Only (on-campus meal plan):: 6602
Required Fees:: 940
Food and housing (on-campus):: 18982
Housing Only (on-campus):: 12380
Food Only (on-campus meal plan):: 6602

Credits per Term

Minimum: 12
Maximum: 21

Estimated Expenses

Books and supplies:: 1220
Transportation:: 1154
Other expenses:: 3750
Books and supplies:: 1220
Food only:: 6404
Transportation: 1088
Other expenses:: 3750
Books and supplies:: 1220
Housing only:: 18050
Food only:: 6700
Food and housing total*: 24750
Transportation:: 3020
Other expenses:: 3750

Per-Credit-Hour Charges

PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS:: 1583
NONRESIDENTS:: 1583

Financial Aid106

Students Awarded Non-need-based Aid

N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 338
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 15,018
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 12
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 27,248

Methodology

Federal methodology (FM): Yes

Need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 24494216
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 122500
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).: 20644770
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 13000
Total Scholarships/Grants: 45274486
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans): 23435555
Federal Work-Study: 577693
State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.): 0
Total Self-Help: 24013248

Non-need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 231542
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 134300
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).: 135192566
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 830175
Total Scholarships/Grants: 136388583
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans): 40925779
State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.): 25550018
Total Self-Help: 66475797
Parent Loans: 76904618
Athletic Awards: 9562142

Students Awarded Aid

B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 2,146
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 1,796
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 1,785
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 1,390
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 1,272
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 1,745
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 198
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 23%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 25683
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 9388
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 3393
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 3365
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 8,620
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 7,086
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 6,547
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 5,229
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 5,230
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 5,932
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 19
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 21%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 25069
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 6112
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 4450
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 4446
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 171
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 151
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 134
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 66
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 88
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 59
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 3
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 21%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 18760
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 4577
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 3777
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 3777

Graduating Cohort

Provide the number of students in the 2024 undergraduate class who started at your institution as first-time students and received a bachelor's degree between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Exclude students who transferred into your institution.: 1,515

Source Type Loan

A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 1,095
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 1,075
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 127
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 72
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 71
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 8
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 56408
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 50573
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 46930

Aid to Nonresidents

Institutional need-based scholarship or grant aid is available: Yes
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available: Yes
If institutional financial aid is available for undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents, provide the number of undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents who were awarded need-based or non-need-based aid:: 494
Average dollar amount of institutional financial aid awarded to undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents:: 23,808
Total dollar amount of institutional financial aid awarded to undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents:: 11,760,907

Financial Aid Forms

FAFSA: Yes

Aid Available

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans: Yes
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: Yes
Federal Direct PLUS Loans: Yes
State Loans: Yes
College/university loans from institutional funds: Yes
Federal Pell Grants: Yes
Federal SEOG: Yes
State scholarships/grants: Yes
Private scholarships: Yes
College/university scholarship or grant aid from institutional funds: Yes
United Negro College Fund: Yes
Federal Nursing Scholarship: Yes

Institutional Aid

Academics: Yes
Alumni affiliation: Yes
Art: Yes
Athletics: Yes
Job skills: Yes
ROTC: Yes
Leadership: Yes
Music/drama: Yes
Religious affiliation: Yes
State/district residency: Yes
Academics: Yes
Alumni affiliation: Yes
Art: Yes
Athletics: Yes
Job skills: Yes
Leadership: Yes
Music/drama: Yes
State/district residency: Yes

Disciplinary Areas of Degrees Conferred26

Diploma/Certificates

Business/marketing: 100
TOTAL (should = 100%): 100%

Associate

TOTAL (should = 100%): 0

Bachelors

Architecture: 1.2
Area, ethnic, and gender studies: 0.85
Communication/journalism: 11.28
Computer and information sciences: 4.06
Education: 0.95
Engineering: 4.61
Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics: 0.3
Family and consumer sciences: 0.9
English: 2.01
Biological/life sciences: 10.13
Mathematics and statistics: 0.9
Interdisciplinary studies: 3.01
Parks and recreation: 3.81
Philosophy and religious studies: 0.55
Physical sciences: 1.4
Psychology: 8.52
Homeland Security, law enforcement, firefighting, and protective services: 3.21
Social sciences: 13.53
Visual and performing arts: 3.46
Health professions and related programs: 10.33
Business/marketing: 14.24
History: 0.75
TOTAL (should = 100%): 100%

Enrollment And Persistence138

Institutional Enrollment

Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: men: 672
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: women: 2,063
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: unknown: 0
Other first-year, degree-seeking: men: 74
Other first-year, degree-seeking: women: 114
Other first-year, degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: men: 1,859
All other degree-seeking: women: 5,094
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 0
Total degree-seeking: men: 2,605
Total degree-seeking: women: 7,271
Total degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: men: 1
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: women: 8
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 0
Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: men: 2,606
Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: women: 7,279
Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: unknown: 0
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: men: 1
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: women: 2
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: unknown: 0
Other first-year, degree-seeking: men: 6
Other first-year, degree-seeking: women: 7
Other first-year, degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: men: 89
All other degree-seeking: women: 124
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 0
Total degree-seeking: men: 96
Total degree-seeking: women: 133
Total degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: men: 560
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: women: 845
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 0
Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: men: 656
Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: women: 978
Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: unknown: 0
Degree-seeking, first-time: men: 281
Degree-seeking, first-time: women: 520
Degree-seeking, first-time: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: men: 724
All other degree-seeking: women: 1,301
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: men: 0
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: women: 1
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 0
Degree-seeking, first-time: men: 17
Degree-seeking, first-time: women: 35
Degree-seeking, first-time: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: men: 135
All other degree-seeking: women: 356
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: men: 1
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: women: 0
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 0
Total graduate Part-Time Students: men: 153
Total graduate Part-Time Students: women: 391
Total graduate Part-Time Students: unknown: 0
Total all undergraduates: 11,519
Total all graduate: 3,371
Grand Total All Students: 14,890

All

Total graduate Full-Time Students: men: 1,005
Total graduate Full-Time Students: women: 1,822
Total graduate Full-Time Students: unknown: 0

Enrollment by Racial/Ethnic Category

Nonresidents: 76
Hispanic/Latino: 208
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 2,256
White, non-Hispanic: 4
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 1
Asian, non-Hispanic: 4
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 2
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 175
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 12
TOTAL: 2,738
Nonresidents: 451
Hispanic/Latino: 694
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 7,764
White, non-Hispanic: 18
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 11
Asian, non-Hispanic: 148
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 4
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 542
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 473
TOTAL: 10,105
Nonresidents: 453
Hispanic/Latino: 696
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 7,768
White, non-Hispanic: 20
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 11
Asian, non-Hispanic: 149
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 4
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 543
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 1,875
TOTAL: 11,519

Persistence

Certificate/diploma: 2
Bachelor's degrees: 1,995
Master's degrees: 342
Post-Master's certificates: 36
Doctoral degrees – research/scholarship: 102
Doctoral degrees – professional practice: 435

Graduation Rates

Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 680
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 280
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 538
Total: 1,498
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 0
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 0
Total: 0
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 680
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 280
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 538
Total: 1,498
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 377
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 178
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 337
Total: 892
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 65
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 18
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 52
Total: 135
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 8
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 4
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 9
Total: 21
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 450
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 200
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 398
Total: 1,048
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 66
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 71
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 74
Total: 70
Total: 0
Total: 0
Total: 0
Total: 0
Total: 0
Total: 0
Total: 0

Instructional Faculty And Class Size48

Instructional Faculty

A. Total number of instructional faculty: 759
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 560
C. Total number who are women: 380
D. Total number who are men: 379
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 48
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 195
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 0
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 5
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 559
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 75
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 173
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 159
C. Total number who are women: 106
D. Total number who are men: 58
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 0
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 53%
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 0
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 3
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 117
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 72
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 932
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 719
C. Total number who are women: 486
D. Total number who are men: 437
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 48
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 248
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 0
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 8
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 676
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 147

Student to Faculty Ratio

based on ____ students: 9,885
and ____ faculty: 759

Undergraduate Class Size

2-9: 280
10-19: 278
20-29: 414
30-39: 221
40-49: 97
50-99: 78
100+: 44
Total: 1,412
2-9: 10
10-19: 26
20-29: 44
30-39: 2
40-49: 0
50-99: 0
100+: 0
Total: 82

Source: Howard University's Common Data Set 2024-25

About Howard University

Howard University is a mid-sized private university in Washington, DC, in a city setting.

What Howard University looks for

Howard University admits the majority of applicants who meet its baseline academic profile. For most students applying here, the work is in writing applications that reflect real fit rather than treating the application as a checklist. Demonstrated interest matters more here than at the most selective schools. Visiting, attending an info session, and asking real questions of admissions all move the needle.

Frequently asked

What SAT score do I need for Howard University?
Howard University's middle 50% SAT range is 1090 to 1320. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.
What ACT score do I need for Howard University?
Middle 50% ACT range is 22 to 28. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.
What is the acceptance rate at Howard University?
Howard University admits roughly 41% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.
What does Howard University actually cost after financial aid?
Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $50,539 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.
Is Howard University a reach, match, or safety for me?
Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Howard University as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

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