Known as the Black University, Howard University is yet to release its admission statistics for the class of 2027, but the acceptance rate from the previous admission is a bit selective.
Classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities, Howard is a historically black university that was established in 1867. Howard is a mid-sized private research university with an enrollment of about 12,000 undergraduates and postgraduates.
The university’s history is built on providing education to African Americans.
The admission process at Howard University is a bit competitive since its acceptance rate is below the national average for American universities. So, what the admission requirements at Howard University?
About Howard University
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private research university with 13 schools and colleges in Washington DC according to Times Higher Education. Students study in more than 140 academic degree programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and professional degrees.
Committed to truth and service excellence, Howard University has produced 1 Schwarzman, 3 Marshall, 4 Rhodes, 12 Truman, 25 Pickering and more than 165 Fulbright Scholars scholarship recipients. Down through the years, Howard has produced more African American doctorates on campus than any other university in the United States.
Is Howard University a Good School?
Is Howard University a good school? If this is your question, then some of the details we will highlight about the school below will help you determine if it is the kind of school that is good for you.
Howard University is one of the best-known black universities in American history. Historically, black colleges were established before the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to serve members of the African American community. Today, they offer exceptional academic opportunities for students of all genders, races, religions, and ethnicities.
At Howard University, students have the opportunity to participate in more than 200 clubs and organizations and learn from top professors. Because Washington, D.C. is just two miles from the school, students can easily live an active political, social or professional life.
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Howard University Acceptance Rate
Howard University’s acceptance rate is 35%, which is very selective. This was after 29,391 applications were received and only 10,362 students were offered admission.
According to a difficult application process, the university has the fourth-lowest acceptance rate in the District of Columbia.
First-year applicants to Howard need excellent grades, test scores, and personal qualities to impress admission officers during the review process.
Howard University offers early decision-making and action. An Early Decision is mandatory, which means you must participate if you are accepted, and the Early Action Program allows you to apply early without obligation.
The deadline for early action is November 1, and it’s coming soon! Howard University will publish EA admission decisions by December 20th.
Howard University has an early decision acceptance rate of 34% and an overall acceptance rate of 35%. Howard University accepts approximately 51% of early applicants and 35% of full-time applicants.
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Admissions at Howard University
Howard University is one of the best HBCUs in the United States with a very competitive acceptance rate and high average SAT/ ACT scores.
However, Howard University, like almost all colleges and universities that are selective, has a holistic entry process that takes into account factors other than your grade and test score.
A strong essay, a non-binding resume, and strong letters of recommendation can validate your application as well as participate in meaningful leisure activities and a rigorous course program.
Howard expects applicants to complete a four-year basic curriculum in English, three years in mathematics, and a two-year basic education program in social sciences, science (including laboratory work), and foreign language.
Applicants in the Fine Arts Department have additional requirements, including exams and portfolios. Students with particularly interesting stories or achievements can still be seriously considered, even if their grades and test scores are below the considered average.
Howard University Admission Requirements
Howard secures and develops its academic expertise through a highly selective admission process. Students selected here demonstrate strong academic expertise, self-motivation, achievement and continuous growth.
The University always encourages applicants from financially difficult backgrounds who are passionate about acquiring knowledge and bringing added value to the campus. However, applicants wishing to secure a place here should be aware of the different entry requirements.
Howard’s main entry requirements are:
- High school GPA
- SAT or ACT scores
- Fill Common application
- Official high school transcript
- Letters of recommendation from a secondary school teacher and counsellor.
The University is looking for applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements. Howard may also request applicants to submit essays. To make an informed decision, the officers responsible for admissions will carefully review each application and carefully review the information provided and will contact schools and clearinghouses to confirm the veracity of the records.
Any applicant who submits false documents will be rejected or disqualified, even if they have received an offer of admission.
SAT requirement
Howard University generally prefers applicants to be among the 36% of the SAT.
According to Prepscholar.com, the average SAT score required at Howard University is 1204.
Experts estimate that some students who have SAT scores of up to 1060 can still be admitted. The estimated average SAT cumulative score for accepted freshmen is 1200/1600.
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ACT Requirement
According to admission data at the university, Howard regularly enrols students who scored 22 and above on their ACT. Successful Prospective students typically have ACT scores that are in the top 37% nationwide.
The standard at Howard University requires an average ACT score of 25.
GPA requirement
The average high school GPA for freshmen at Howard University is 3.6 on a scale of 4.0, indicating that B+ students are accepted first and eventually attend the school.
The school has the highest GPA and is ranked 4th in the District of Columbia. Even with a competitive GPA, it can be difficult to get into Howard because the school rejects more applicants than it accepts.
How students can make their applications stand out
Getting good grades and test scores is the best way to increase your chances of getting into Howard University.
However, schools also want to make sure prospective students are prepared for the challenge. Receiving badges of honour and AP exams is a great way to make your student application more competitive.
In addition, students can compensate for a slightly lower GPA by giving back to the community. The Howard Office of Admissions prioritizes students who volunteer in schools, religious institutions, and the city. Those who showed commitment to the community showed Howard that they too would be a blessing to the campus.
Howard University Admission Deadline
| Application Type | Application Deadline (for receipt of submitted Common Application) | Document Deadline (for receipt of optional test scores, letters of recommendation, academic records etc.) | Notification Date (notices will be sent via email) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 1 | November 15 | Late December |
| Early Decision | November 1 | November 15 | Late December |
| Theatre Arts (Acting, Dance & Musical Theatre majors ONLY) | November 1 | November 15 | Late December |
| Regular Decision | February 1 | February 15 | Early April |
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Howard University International Acceptance Rate
Howard University does not have a separate acceptance rate for international students. This section contains vital information on all you need to know as an international applicant or US student studying outside the United States.
Howard University accepts applications from talented freshmen who are international students, that is, students who have never received an education at Howard University or any other college.
International students are encouraged to begin the admission process at least one year before entering university, as additional time is often required to submit the required tests, academic essays, grades, and immigration-related questions.
Students are encouraged to apply through the Common App during the final year of high school (grades 12/13 depending on your education system).
This page also applies to U.S. citizens studying outside the United States. Please meet the entry requirements below as well as the FAFSA to receive financial support.
As part of Howard’s overall admissions process, the school consider student high school grades, standardized college entrance tests (SAT or ACT), school and community leadership, unique abilities and skills, and educational goals.
Once an application has been filed through the Common App, no changes can usually be made. The school, therefore, ask all applicants to check their applications carefully before submitting them.
Below are some of the things you need as an international applicant
- Recommended Coursework
- Admission Plans
- Application Fee
- High School Academic Records
- Standardized Tests
- Letters of Recommendation
- Application Essays
- Tracking Recommender’s Submissions
- Additional Program-Specific Requirements
- Financial Aid
Visit the international students’ admission page for more information on the entry requirements.
Howard University Transfer Acceptance Rate and Admissions
Howard University’s acceptance rate for transfer students is around 50%
Every year, the school welcome hundreds of excellent transfer students and students on second degree who have completed colleges around the country and the world.
Applicants on transfer are students who have completed their studies at another college or university after high school. Applicants for a second degree are students who have completed a bachelor’s degree from Howard or another college/university. Below are some of the things you need as a transfer or second-degree applicant.
- Minimum GPA: You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (3.0 in business schools) and pass a GPA of at least C in college-level English courses and math courses to be considered for transfer admission.
- Official Transcripts: Transcripts may be requested. Transcripts from all institutions the applicant has attended are required.
- SAT Points: SAT may be required by the school for admission.
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from university professors are required.
- Essay: Personal statement required.
- Application Fee: A $45 non-refundable application fee is required.
- Interview: Not required for admissions.
- Additional Requirements: Applicants must have a minimum C-score in both English and university mathematics. Additional requirements vary by school and college.
Howard University Tuition and Fees
| Direct Cost Estimate | Description | Costs |
| Tuition1 | $32,878 | |
| Mandatory Fees2 | $466 | |
| Housing | $10,570 | |
| Meal Plan | $5,904 | |
| Subtotal | $49,818 | |
| Indirect Cost Estimates | ||
| Books and Supplies | $1,360 | |
| Transportation | $1,091 | |
| Personal/Misc Expenses | $2,361 | |
| Total | $51,450 |
Howard University Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, Howard University is currently ranked #115in National Universities, #2 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and #93 in Best Value Schools.
Howard also ranked #801-1000 on World University Rankings according to Times Higher Education.
Howard University Contact
- Address: 2400 Sixth St Nw Washington, District of Columbia 20059
United States - Main Phone: 202.806.6100
- Undergraduate Admission Admissions: admission@howard.edu
- Graduate Admission Admissions: hugsadmission@howard.edu
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References
- U.S. News & World Report: Howard University
- Times Higher Education: Howard University
- Admission.howard.edu: Admission Profile
