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Howard University

Private nonprofit Washington, DC · Urban · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
69%
Graduation Rate
$63,066
Earnings (10yr)
$50,539
Net Price
41%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Over 10,000 students choose Howard University, a vibrant hub in Washington, DC, where 41% of applicants gain acceptance. This diverse community thrives in a supportive environment that emphasizes social justice and leadership, making it a compelling choice for many.

Graduates from Howard earn a median salary of $63,066 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating strong return on investment. While specific mobility metrics are unavailable, the presence of a significant Pell Grant rate at 40% suggests that Howard plays a vital role in serving students from low-income backgrounds, potentially aiding upward mobility.

The net price of attendance at Howard is $50,539, with graduates carrying a median debt of $24,500. Students who excel here often find their niche in fields like Business, Social Sciences, and Health Professions. The university attracts individuals who are passionate about making an impact and seeking a rich academic experience in a culturally vibrant setting.

Rankings

How Howard Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation69%Earnings 10yr$63KNet Price$51KRetention91%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate40%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$46K$0-30K$47K$30-48K$50K$48-75K$54K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1079.3%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3709.8%MOBILITY400.40%

Cost & Financial Aid

$35,810
In-State Tuition
$35,810
Out-of-State
$50,539
Avg Net Price
$24,500
Median Debt
40%
Pell Grant Rate
59%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$46,051
Family Income $0–$30K
$47,477
Family Income $30K–$48K
$50,245
Family Income $48K–$75K
$54,270
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$47,379
6 Years After Entry
$54,819
8 Years
$63,066
10 Years
0.39x
Debt-to-Earnings
69%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$47,379 6yr $54,819 8yr $63,066 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

400.40%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3709.8%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1079.3%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$76,900
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.62
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.0%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 41%
Retention Rate 91%
SAT Average 1213
ACT Midpoint 24
SAT Range 1090–1320
ACT Range 22–28
Full-Time Faculty 64%
Faculty Salary (mo) $11,580
Diversity Index 0.40
First-Gen Students 24%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 14%
Social Sciences 14%
Communications 11%
Health Professions 10%
Biology & Biomedical 10%
Psychology 9%
Engineering 5%
Computer Science & IT 4%