Howard
Howard University · Washington, Washington, D.C. · Private · HBCU
Howard admitted 42% of 37,270 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1050–1270 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 69% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Howard
Enter a score to see whether Howard is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (42%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 84% (363 of 430), compared with 42% for all applicants.
Howard offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
1,310 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 637 took it.
What admissions weighs
How Howard rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Test scores
Important
- Character
Considered
- Class rank
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- First generation
- Legacy
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Interview
- Where you live
- State residency
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.68 GPA.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $54,630 a year. After grants, students paid $30,028 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
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