This article has comprehensive information on the acceptance rate of Howard University and all the need to know about the application process, requirements, deadlines and how you can improve your chances.
Detailed information is required for admission to a privileged academic institution. It is essential to know the whole procedure, the application process and the deadlines. Among the many prestigious universities in the United States, Howard University stands out for its rigorous selection process.
Known as the Black University, the college was founded before 1964. The reason for the success of the Learning Centre is that students have the opportunity to participate in more than 200 clubs and classes.
Not only that, but graduates have the opportunity to live an active political, social and professional life. Now let’s see what it takes to get to Howard University – the acceptance rate, admissions, deadlines and other important admission procedures.

About Howard University
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private research university with 13 schools and colleges in Washington DC. Students study in more than 140 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 several 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 something the things we will highlight about the school below will help you determine if it is the kind of school that is good for you – as there is no direct route to determine if a school is generally a good school, you just have to choose what 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.
Also Read: How to get into a business school: All Requirements for Business School
Howard University Acceptance Rate
Howard University acceptance rate is 35%, and the school is one of the best academic institutions in the United States. Last year, 29,391 new applications were received. Of these, the university offered admission offers to 10,362 graduates.
The low acceptance rate makes Howard a very competitive school. Only 35 out of 100 applicants survived the application process. Students with a score greater than B + will be considered eligible here.
According to a difficult application process, the university has the fourth-lowest acceptance rate in the District of Columbia.
Students will need excellent grades, test scores, and personal qualities to impress applicant officers during the review process.
Howard University offers early decision-making as well as early 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. Last year, 138, out of 368 early students were admitted to Howard University.
Some students apply to college early because they believe it will improve their chances. Earlier deadlines can increase your chances of getting in, as early application shows that you have a strong interest in the school and your application will be processed before all regular students apply.
How Does Howard University Acceptance rate Compare?
Howard’s acceptance rate is fifty-seven percent lesser than the average of all other national universities around it. Below is a table that shows this.
Nearby Similar College Acceptance Rates
School | Acceptance Rate |
Trinity Washington University | 96.7% |
Catholic University of America | 85.4% |
Gallaudet University | 61.2% |
Washington Adventist University | 58.8% |
Marymount University | 81.0% |
Also Read: Medical Schools Admissions Requirements: All you need to get Admitted
Admissions at Howard University
Howard University is one of the best HBCUs in the United States with a very competitive pool of applicants, low acceptance rates, 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. In order 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 requirements and average SAT scores
Howard University generally prefers applicants to be among the 36% of the SAT test. The school continuously counts the cumulative SAT score to 1130 on a 1600-point scale, making admission a possible task.
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.
The school is the 4th in the District of Columbia with the highest average SAT score. Competitive SAT scores are critical, as 75% of prospective students submit SAT scores to Howard.
SAT Reading 25th | 580 |
SAT Math 25th | 550 |
SAT Composite 25th | 1130 |
SAT Reading 75th | 640 |
SAT Math 75th | 620 |
SAT Composite 75th | 1260 |
Average SAT Score | 1200 |
Also Read: 15 Best Schools For Business in California
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
According to admission data at the school. Howard regularly enrols students who have 22 and above in their ACT. Successful Prospective students typically have ACT scores that are in the top 37% nationwide.
Experts estimate that in some cases, the schools will accept ACT scores of around 20.
Prospective students with a composite ACT of 24 or higher should be at the top of the applicants, while students with an ACT of 26 or higher will have highly competitive odds.
The school occupies the fourth position among the schools in the District of Columbia with the highest composite ACT scores. 42% of applicants submit an ACT score to Howard University.
ACT Reading 25th | 22 |
ACT Math 25th | 20 |
ACT Composite 25th | 22 |
ACT Reading 75th | 28 |
ACT Math 75th | 26 |
ACT Composite 75th | 26 |
Average ACT Score | 24 |
Estimated GPA requirements and average GPA
How much GPA is required to get into Howard University? Applicants must have very good grades in high school to qualify for Howard.
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 |
Early Action | November 1 |
Early Decision | November 1 |
Theatre Arts (apply as Early Action/Decision applicants) | November 1 |
Regular Decision | February 15 |
Also Read: What Is A Good MCAT Score? | All You Need to Know
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 prior to 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 application 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 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 in order 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 Rankings
Howard University has received recognition from the U.S. News & World Report for how affordable it is and its academic expertise. In the magazine’s annual university survey, Howard University ranked 41st among the best value schools, up 89 percentage points from a year ago.
U.S. News also stated that total amount of undergraduate tuition at Howard University has actually dropped slightly to $43,720. Howard University has a higher proportion of students getting financial rewards that are need-based in a bid to fulfil its mission to provide high-quality education to talented and financially deserving students.
The guide ranks Howard University 83rd on the best national universities list. Universities on this list offer a full range of bachelor’s programs as well as master’s and doctoral programs that focus on faculty research or professional practice at the doctoral level. Last year, Howard University saw its biggest growth in years, rising 24 places to 80th.
U.S. News uses several factors to build its ranking, including the permanence of freshmen, the number of graduates, the faculty and the giving of of alumni.
Strong performance is in line with Howard Forward’s 2024 Strategic Plan to improve academic performance through targeted programs that increase retention and completion across different programs.
This year, U.S. News rewarded Howard for his expertise in several key categories. Howard University rose to 84th place in the list of the best bachelor’s degrees, 32 places more than last year.
In addition, Howard is recognized in other categories, including:
- Best Bachelor of Nursing Program: 96th out of 694 programs listed.
- Most innovative school: 40th (18 places more than last year)
- Best Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: 110th (11 places more than last year)
- Best Bachelor of Engineering: ranked 96th out of 210 programs nationwide (6 places more than a year ago)
Most Popular Majors
- Biology: 113 Graduates
- Political Science and Government: 89 Graduates
- Public Relations: 68 Graduates
- Physical Education Teaching and Coaching: 67 Graduates
- Communications: 55 Graduates
- Finance: 42 Graduates
- Marketing: 41 Graduates
- Psychology: 41 Graduates
- Computer Science: 36 Graduates
- Nursing: 32 Graduates
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
- https://www.turito.com/
- https://www.niche.com/
- https://www.acceptancerate.com/
- https://www.thoughtco.com/
- https://collegedunia.com/
- https://www.collegesimply.com/
- https://blog.collegevine.com/
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