Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Washington, District Of Columbia |
| Online | howard.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Howard University, a historically Black university established in 1867, occupies a hilltop campus in northwest Washington, D.C., approximately two miles from the U.S. Capitol. The main campus features red brick Victorian and Georgian architecture across 256 acres, with many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As one of the nation's leading research institutions, Howard maintains competitive admission standards and is particularly recognized for its programs in business, communications, engineering, and health sciences, including its affiliated teaching hospital. The university's College of Medicine has trained a significant portion of the nation's African American physicians, while its School of Law has produced numerous notable civil rights attorneys and federal judges. Students typically reside in one of the university's traditional residence halls or modern apartment-style complexes, contributing to a residential academic community in the heart of the capital city.
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Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Howard is rated within the top 34% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Howard University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#249 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#187 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#4 in Best Colleges in District Of Columbia
#4 in Best Private Colleges in District Of Columbia
#367 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#4 in Best Value Colleges in District Of Columbia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1100/1298 |
| ACT | 22/28 |
| GPA | 3.66 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | High |
| Application Fee | $45 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,360 |
| Other Fees | $466 |
| Room and Board | $16,474 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,452 |
| Total One Year Cost | $54,630 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 20% |
| Communication | 20% |
| Social Sciences | 12% |
| Biology | 10% |
| Psychology | 9% |
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Students considering Howard are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=131520 IPEDS survey data for Howard University.
Current students may use the Howard University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025