Howard University
Washington, DC · Private · 10,108 undergrads
- Admit rate: 41.3% (30,342 applicants)
- SAT middle 50%: 1090–1320 (ACT 22–28)
- Undergraduates: 10,108 (4.5% international)
- Average net price: $50,539 (per year after aid)
- Graduation rate: 70% (within 6 years)
Deadlines
- Early Decision: Nov. 1, 2026
- Early Action: Nov. 1, 2026
- Regular Decision: Feb. 1, 2027
Editor's notes
- Apply early if Howard is near the top of your list. EA is nonbinding, it closes Nov. 1 like ED, and Howard says EA and ED admits are the ones considered for scholarships in December. The catch is that everything must be in by Nov. 1, including scores and letters, or your file drops to Regular Decision.
- Decide about testing before you submit, not after. Howard is test-optional, but its CDS lists test scores as very important when they're there, and the rules are strict: only official agency scores, October as the last test date for early plans, and no adding scores once a complete file is reviewed. If you'd send a score, send it on time.
- Write the optional essay only if you have a real reason. Howard says essays help it learn your goals and your interest in Howard, and its CDS counts interest and character. The prompt lives in the Common App Writing section, so read it there before you decide.
Sources
- Howard University Office of Admission, Domestic First Year Student
- Howard University Office of Admission, Undergraduate Admission Policy
- Howard University Institutional Research and Assessment, Common Data Set 2025-2026
- Howard University Office of Admission, Admission Profile
- Common App, 2026-27 First-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid
- Howard University Office of Admission, Application Types
