Overview
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 10,190 (fall 2023). Its campus spans 257 acres and follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Howard ranks #86 among National Universities. Tuition and fees stand at $35,810.
Howard University Rankings
Check out where Howard stands across different rankings to get a full picture of what the university offers:
- #86 in National Universities (tie)
- #2 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- #120 in Best Value Schools
- #90 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie)
(At schools where the highest degree is a doctorate)- Business Programs
- Computer Science
- Psychology Programs
- #114 in Economics (tie)
- #155 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #21 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
- #12 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
Howard University holds the #86 spot out of 436 National Universities. Rankings are based on widely accepted indicators of excellence.
U.S. News Overall Score
- Score (out of 100): 66
Outcomes (57%)
- Average 6-year graduation rate (21%): 67%
- 6-year graduation rate for Pell Grant recipients (5.5%): 63%
- 6-year graduation rate for non-Pell Grant recipients (5.5%): 75%
Howard University Admissions
Howard has a 35% acceptance rate. For admitted students who submitted test scores:
- SAT range: 1100–1298
- ACT range: 22–28
(25% scored above these ranges, 25% below.)
Application deadline: February 15
Application fee: $45
Admissions officers weigh GPA and class rank heavily, along with letters of recommendation.
Howard University Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition is 35,810∗∗—lowerthanthenationalaverageof∗∗35,810∗∗—lowerthanthenationalaverageof∗∗47,890.
- Total cost (including housing, food, etc.): $54,630
- Average net price after aid: $44,055
Net Price by Family Income (2021-2022)
| Family Income | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 0–0–30,000 | $41,343 |
| 30,001–30,001–48,000 | $43,029 |
| 48,001–48,001–75,000 | $46,001 |
| 75,001–75,001–110,000 | $47,831 |
| $110,001+ | $48,186 |
Food & Housing: $17,322
Howard University Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 12:1
- 43.8% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
- Freshman retention rate: 90% (showing strong student satisfaction).
Most Popular Majors (2023 Graduates)
- Business, Management, Marketing (16%)
- Communication, Journalism (13%)
- Social Sciences (12%)
- Biological & Biomedical Sciences (11%)
- Health Professions (8%)
- Psychology (8%)
- Parks, Recreation, Fitness (5%)
- Engineering (4%)
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (4%)
- Computer & Information Sciences (3%)
Howard University Student Life
- Undergraduate enrollment (fall 2023): 10,190
- Gender breakdown: 28.1% male, 71.9% female
- Total enrollment (fall 2023): 13,416
- Graduate enrollment: 3,226
- Pell Grant recipients (2022–2023): 41%
- Athletics: NCAA Division I
Howard University Campus
Student services include:
- Tutoring, placement services, health services, and insurance.
Campus safety features: - 24/7 patrols (foot and vehicle), late-night escorts, emergency phones, lighted pathways, and secure dorm access.
Alcohol policy: Not permitted, even for students of legal age.