Howard University
Washington, District of Columbia
How selective is it?
Howard University is in our Selective tier (~30-50% acceptance). A solid academic fit matters, but admission isn't a reach for students in the typical range.
Third-party estimates ~35-41%.
Tiers are broad on purpose. Acceptance rates move every cycle, and many schools are more competitive for specific majors than the school overall, so use this as a starting point for your list, not a prediction.
How to use Howard University in your college list
This is often a realistic target if your grades and course rigor match the school's typical entering class, which you can confirm in its Common Data Set. Popular majors, such as computer science, engineering, or nursing, can be harder to get into than the school-wide tier suggests.
Building a list across tiers? See all 7 District of Columbia colleges in our finder, or follow our guide to building a list by score and GPA.
Check the current numbers yourself
For Howard University's current test-score and GPA ranges, acceptance rate, and cost, go to the source:
- Find its Common Data Set ↗ Section C has the middle 50% of scores and GPA. Our step-by-step guide shows how to read it.
- College Scorecard ↗ U.S. Department of Education data on cost, graduation, and outcomes.
- Net price calculator ↗ Estimate what your family would actually pay after aid.
- Find the official admissions page ↗ Deadlines, requirements, and how to apply.
Similar colleges to consider
Schools with a similar selectivity, in the same state, or known for the same fields. A balanced list usually mixes a few reaches, several realistic targets, and at least one or two safeties.
Frequently asked questions
How selective is Howard University?+
Howard University sits in our "Selective" tier (~30-50% acceptance). Third-party estimates ~35-41%.
Is Howard University hard to get into?+
A solid academic fit matters, but admission isn't a reach for students in the typical range. Selectivity varies by major and changes every admissions cycle, so treat the tier as a starting point and check Howard University's own admissions data for the current year.
How do I find Howard University's current SAT, ACT, and GPA ranges?+
Search "Howard University Common Data Set" and open Section C, which lists the middle 50% of test scores and GPA for the entering class. Our guide "How to Build Your Own College List by Score and GPA" on this site walks through it step by step.
Where is Howard University?+
Howard University is a private institution in Washington, District of Columbia.
Selectivity tiers and "known for" tags are general guidance compiled from public sources and may be out of date. MajorAtlas isn't affiliated with Howard University. Always confirm details with the school.