Your chances of getting into Howard University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
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
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.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
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 Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 550 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 530 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1080 |
| 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 classChance 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 ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 21 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 19 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 21 |
| 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 classChance 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.
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 | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 18% |
| Top 25% of class | 59% |
| Top 50% of class | 91% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| 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% |
Fall 2024 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
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?
| 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
| 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.