About

About Howard University

hbcudoctoral research universitypremed and science focusmoderate acceptance rate

Howard University is a private research university in Washington, DC, known for its hbcu, doctoral research university, and premed and science focus. With an acceptance rate of 53%, HU is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 2,493 students each year. HU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1050–1290, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. HU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $3,034 per year; the sticker price of $48,214 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Howard University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

53%
Overall Accept Rate
1170
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1050 – 1290 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Howard University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Howard's essays carry real weight in admissions, so use them to articulate specifically why you want to be part of an HBCU community and what draws you to Howard's legacy in Washington, DC rather than writing a generic 'why this school' response.
Test Score Strategy
Since Howard is test optional and your scores are below the 75th percentile, focus your application energy on your essays and activities rather than submitting scores that could work against you.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Howard University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$48k/yr$46.1k
30k-48k~$48k/yr$47.5k
48k-75k~$48k/yr$50.2k
75k-110k~$48k/yr$53.0k
110k+~$48k/yr$54.3k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

69%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$47k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
8,920
Undergrad Enrollment
Howard University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch