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#3 Best Value Colleges in District Of Columbia

Howard Admission Requirements

Washington, District Of Columbia

 4 Reviews

Your chances of getting into Howard University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

35.2%
Admission Difficulty for Howard University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Average 
Applicant Competition High 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Howard is 35.2%.  Its admission rate is the 3rd lowest in District Of Columbia and the 112nd lowest the nation.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Howard and can you get accepted?

Howard is a highly competitive school to get into. You have a moderate chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 10,362 out of the 29,396 who applied were admitted.

The school has average admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 44 percent on standardized admission tests. Howard University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.66. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 27% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Howard?

35% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Howard University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.66 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1190 on the SAT
  • Score 23 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top 25% of your high school class
  • Submit letters of recommendation from your teachers

Howard GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.66

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into Howard University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Howard are to have around a 3.66 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

Even with a competitive GPA, admission to Howard will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Howard is 3.66 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #4 in District Of Columbia for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Howard is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted Howard University students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 6.4% Good
3.75 to 3.99 37.7% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 33.8% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 14.4% Reach
3.00 to 3.24 7.4% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 0.3% Low
2.00 to 2.49 0% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Howard SAT Scores

Test Optional

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Howard University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 26% of students submitted SAT scores and 10% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

1080-1290

Applicants Submitting SAT 

26%
SAT Scores for Howard University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 550
Math 25th Percentile 530
Composite 25th Percentile 1080
SAT Scores for Howard University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 650
Math 75th Percentile 640
Composite 75th Percentile 1290
Average SAT Score 1190

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Howard University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Howard is 1190 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1080-1290. Students who get into Howard University score in the top 45 percent of all SAT test takers..  Howard ranks #4 in District Of Columbia for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1190 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Howard regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1080 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1080, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 970, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Howard University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "considered but not required".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1190 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1185, you have around a 35% chance of being admitted. A 1290 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 51% chance of getting in.

Howard University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1290 and Above Good >51%
1185 to 1290 Avg + 35%-51%
1080 to 1185 Avg - 22%-35%
975 to 1080 Reach 13%-22%
Less than 975 Low <13%
Calculate My Chances 

Howard ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

21-26 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

10%
ACT Scores for Howard University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 21
Math 25th Percentile 19
Composite 25th Percentile 21
ACT Scores for Howard University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 27
Math 75th Percentile 25
Composite 75th Percentile 26
Average ACT Score 23

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Howard?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Howard is 23, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 21 and 26.  The school ranks #4 in District Of Columbia for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 23. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 21 and score in the score in the top 43 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 18.

10 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Howard University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Howard University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "considered but not required".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Howard for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 23 score has around 35% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 54% with a 26 ACT score.

Howard University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
26 and Above Good >54%
23 to 26 Avg + 35%-54%
21 to 23 Avg - 24%-35%
19 to 21 Reach 16%-24%
Less than 19 Low <16%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

59% of Howard University freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 18% are in the top ten percent.

High School Class Rank for admitted Howard University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 18%
Top 25% of class 59%
Top 50% of class 91%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Howard University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 21,058 8,338 29,396
Accepted 7,488 2,874 10,362
Acceptance Rate 36% 34% 35%
Enrolled 2,060 708 2,768
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 28% 25% 27%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Feb 15, 2024

Days left to Apply

142

Applicants have 142 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Feb 15, 2024.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Howard University is $45.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Howard University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Howard University Application Requirements
Test Scores Considered but not required
High School GPA Required
High School Class Rank Considered but not required
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required
Recommendations Required
Demonstration of Competencies Recommended

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Howard University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Howard is highly competitive, you have a moderate chance of acceptance depending on your GPA and test scores. If you earn at least a 3.66 GPA, you will have a fair shot at getting in. Additionally, you should score a 1190 on the SAT or 23 on the ACT to be competitive. If you can score a 1290 SAT you will be a very strong applicant.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Howard University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=131520 IPEDS survey data for Howard University.

FAQs

Does Howard University prefer SAT or ACT?

26% of students submit their SAT scores to Howard. 10% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.

What is my chance of getting into Howard University?

35% of those who apply are granted admission to Howard. Admission competition is high and the college has average admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.

What SAT score is required for Howard University?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1080 and 1290. The average SAT score is 1185. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.

What ACT score is required for Howard University?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 21 and 26. The average ACT score is 23. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.