Howard University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Test-optional does not mean test-irrelevant at Howard: 47% submit SAT scores. If your GPA is near the 3.75 average, aim for the upper end of Howard’s SAT range, around 1250, to strengthen your application; a 28 ACT can play a similar role.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Howard University facts and stats
Howard University enrolls 11,519 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Howard has a 91% freshman retention rate, which is well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 53%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
Washington, DC
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Key Howard University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 15
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
November 1
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Howard, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes if a higher score would help. For the November 1 Early Decision and Early Action deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last fall retake that will arrive in time, so do not wait until then for your first sitting.
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What you'll actually pay
Howard's tuition and fees are $35,810, with 62% of students receiving aid. The average merit award is $15,018, and students should submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
Howard’s listed tuition, fees, room, and board total $53,132. About 62% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $25,683. Merit aid can also reduce costs, with an average merit award of $15,018 and a Chevron/SWE Scholarship threshold of a 3.50+ GPA for $5,000. Students graduate with an average debt of $56,408.
Student life at Howard University
92% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 1% of men join fraternities, and 1% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
American University
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 61.9%
SAT: 1300–1430
ACT: 29–32
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 82.8%
National Intelligence University
Washington, DCGallaudet University
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 58.1%
SAT: 798–990
ACT: 14–17
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