Howard University Tuition and Fees

By Jennifer Calonia

(Last Updated – 09/2023)

Total Cost of Attendance

Howard University, located in Washington, DC., is a private, nonprofit college. It’s ranked among the top historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. because of its rigorous pre-professional programs. Howard University tuition for the 2022-23 school year was $31,050 for both in- and out-of-state students.

Costs for 2022-23

Financial Aid

Nearly all students (99%) received some form of financial aid to cover Howard University costs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Ninety-nine percent of first-time Howard students received federal aid, and 43% of students were awarded Pell Grants, which is a federal student loan program for students who demonstrate an exceptional financial need.

Explore financial aid options: Washington D.C. Student Loan & Scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are a funding option that can help students bridge the gap between federal financial aid and the cost of attendance. In 2020-21, 7% of Howard students took out non-federal student loans.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The projected price of a four-year degree from Howard University is $138,917, based on 2023-24 tuition prices using the NCES multi-year tuition calculator. For comparison, the national average cost of a four-year bachelor’s degree at a private institution is $218,000, according to the Education Data Initiative.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

The total cost of Howard University tuition and fees, plus room and board expenses was $46,930 in 2022-23. In-state and out-of-state undergraduate students pay the same amount. For comparison, the average cost to attend a private nonprofit institution is $54,501, according to the Education Data Initiative.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

Howard University offers graduate degrees in more than 30 disciplines and 100 specializations including computer science, business, and nursing. In 2022-23, Howard University graduate school tuition and fees was $35,556 per year. For comparison, students who earn a master’s degree from a two-year program at a private, nonprofit institution spend a total of $62,100 in tuition and fees. Graduate students can explore graduate loans to help cover these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

For the 2022-23 academic year, the estimated cost per credit hour is $1,274. To graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Howard, students must earn a minimum of 120 credits. The cost to earn a Howard undergrad degree is an estimated $152,880.

Certificates

Howard University offers graduate-level, interdisciplinary certificate programs taught by industry experts and Howard faculty. The programs are designed for professionals who want to continue their education but not necessarily pursue a full masters degree. Some certificate courses may be transferable into a Howard graduate degree program. Topics include cyber security and international studies. Students enrolled in the graduate certificate program pay the per-credit-hour rate of $1,930. The cyber security certificate, for example, requires 15 credit hours and can be completed in as little as two semesters.

Campus Housing Expenses

Costs for 2022-23

*Based on one-bedroom (or studio, etc) pricing. Average rate based on available apartments on Howard University off-campus housing website in 2023.

Howard University has nine housing options on campus, and two residence apartments that are located off-campus. First- and second-year students, as well as transfer students, are guaranteed housing assignments on campus, if desired.

Students can also choose to live in off-campus housing that isn’t affiliated with the school. This option, however, might require a 12-month lease commitment, which could be more expensive than room and board on campus. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Washington, D.C. is $2,327 for a 745-square-foot apartment. To explore the options, see Howard University’s off-campus housing site.

Howard University Acceptance Rate

Fall 2023

In fall 2022, the Howard University acceptance rate was 53%. It is a somewhat competitive university with 10,169 students accepted of the 19,188 who applied.

Admission Requirements

Students who are interested in applying to Howard University for the fall term must submit their applications by February 15. First-time college students applying to Howard must meet certain basic eligibility requirements for admissions, which includes submitting their GPA and high school transcript along with additional information listed below:

Required:

•  High school GPA

•  High school transcript

•  Letter of recommendation

Recommended:

•  Formal demonstration of competencies

SAT and ACT Scores

SAT and ACT scores weren’t required for students who applied for Howard University admissions during the 2022-23 school year. The school guarantees that students who choose not to submit scores are not at a disadvantage for doing so. This admissions policy doesn’t apply for joint-degree programs (e.g. BS/MD, BS/DDS, BA/JD). In fall 2022, 31% of Howard applicants submitted SAT scores and 13% submitted ACT scores as part of their application.

Though there are no required test scores for admissions, here are the scores by subject at the 25th and 75th percentile:

Popular Majors at Howard University

Howard University is home to 14 schools and colleges, offering more than 120 areas of study. Here is a breakdown of the university’s top 10 most popular undergraduate majors:

1. Political Science and Government

The most popular undergraduate major at Howard University is political science. Students gain foundational knowledge about government, political science research, and political theory, among other topics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 121

2. Biology/Biological Sciences

A bachelor’s degree in biology offers students a groundwork in molecular and cellular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and more. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for professional programs, as well as careers in academia, research, and roles within the private and public sectors.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 118

3. Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications offers three undergraduate programs for students to choose from: communication, culture and media studies; communication sciences and disorders; and media, journalism, and film. Alumni of the program have gone on to win Pulitzers and Emmys.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 116

4. Psychology

Students studying psychology at Howard receive a research-focused academic experience. During their education, they apply the scientific method to pose critical questions about human behavior.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 86

5. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

Students attending Cathy Hughes School of Communication can study public relations, advertising, and applied communication. Students are taught public speaking skills, and how to persuasively craft a message that’s meant to sell ideas and/or products.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 80

6. Marketing

Howard University’s marketing degree offers undergraduate students insight into marketing practices and patterns for nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Students may also embark on subspecialties of interest to broaden their education in preparation for real-world careers.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 55

7. Computer Science

Students studying computer science at the College of Engineering and Architecture must complete a well-rounded curriculum that includes a mix of science, engineering, and liberal arts classes. Core courses include computer organization, theory of computation, operating systems, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 48

8. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

Students interested in sports, kinesiology, and PE can earn a bachelor’s of science degree from the College of Arts and Sciences. This major is geared toward students interested in careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and corporate and business roles within health clubs, and fitness agencies. Additionally, it prepares students to take certifications to enhance their professional prospects beyond school.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 40

9. Finance

Students who pursue a finance degree at Howard University can choose from two concentrations: actuarial science and risk management and insurance. Howard University is the only HBCU to offer an insurance concentration.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 39

10. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences

Finishing off the top 10 most popular majors is within Howard’s College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. It offers programs in nursing, physical therapy, health management, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 39

Graduation Rate

Finishing off the top 10 most popular majors is within Howard’s College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. It offers programs in nursing, physical therapy, health management, and more.

•  52

•  64

•  65

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Ten years after earning their degrees, students who graduated from Howard University had median earnings of $59,441. This is slightly above the national average salary of $55,260 for college graduates.