Is Howard worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Howard is ranked #3,185 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within District of Columbia, it ranks #12 of 12 for value.
Among the majors Howard offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies | #5 of 5 |
| Athletic Training | #5 of 5 |
| Theatre/Theatre Arts Management | #8 of 8 |
| Other Communication, Journalism, & Related Programs | #16 of 16 |
| Communication & Journalism (Other) | #16 of 16 |
| Communications / Public Relations | #16 of 16 |
| Business Administration / Management | #25 of 26 |
| Business Management & Marketing | #25 of 26 |
| Other Business, Management & Marketing | #25 of 26 |
| Arts & Media Management | #44 of 46 |
Below is the detailed Howard value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Howard University is ranked #6 out of #15 in District of Columbia for quality and #12 out of #12 for District of Columbia value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the Howard financial aid page to be sure.
Howard University is ranked #3,185 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Howard University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Howard costs about $50,866. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $203,465 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $54,630 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $50,539 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $50,866 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $203,465 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the Howard net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Howard degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $218,520 | — | — |
| All Students | $203,465 | #3,185 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $202,156 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $218,520 | — | — |
| All Students | $203,465 | #12 | D- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $202,156 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Howard shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $44,234 |
| $30K–$48K | $45,504 |
| $48K–$75K | $49,005 |
| $75K–$110K | $50,842 |
| Over $110K | $51,384 |
About 92% of Howard undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $21,995 per year. Get more details on the Howard financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average Howard cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.