Students at Howard University benefit from earnings that consistently exceed expectations, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes in the country.
The university's unique position in Washington, D.C., combined with its extensive professional networks, creates career opportunities that translate into meaningful long-term financial advantages for graduates.
Howard University stands as one of the nation's premier historically Black universities, offering a distinctive combination of academic excellence, cultural significance, and strong professional outcomes. Located in Washington, D.C., Howard provides students with unparalleled access to government internships, policy work, and professional networks that extend far beyond graduation. The university serves a diverse student body, with about 41% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 24% being first-generation college students.
Graduates earn a median of $63,066 ten years after enrollment, with many achieving significantly higher earnings as their careers progress. Howard's graduates consistently earn about $3,445 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting the university's ability to open doors and create opportunities that translate into long-term financial success. This earnings advantage is particularly pronounced among students from low-income backgrounds, who earn a median of $54,100 ten years out.
What sets Howard apart is its unique position as both an academically rigorous institution and a cultural cornerstone. The university's location in the nation's capital, combined with its extensive alumni network in government, business, law, and other professional fields, creates opportunities that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. For students seeking not just an education but entry into influential professional circles, Howard offers a pathway that few other institutions can match.
Howard University's program portfolio reflects its mission to prepare leaders across multiple sectors, with particular strength in fields that benefit from the university's Washington, D.C., location and extensive professional networks. American Government and Politics, with 89 graduates, represents one of Howard's signature strengths, combining substantial enrollment with career pathways that leverage the university's proximity to federal government and policy organizations. Information Resources Management delivers some of the highest early-career earnings at around $70,456, reflecting the growing demand for technology leadership in both government and private sectors.
Biology remains Howard's largest program with 113 graduates, though early-career earnings of around $20,140 reflect the reality that many students pursue graduate education in medicine, research, or other health-related fields where the real financial returns come later in their careers. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, with 67 graduates earning around $32,569, demonstrates Howard's commitment to health and wellness fields that often lead to stable, meaningful careers.
What distinguishes Howard's programs is not just the academic preparation but the networking opportunities and cultural connections that come with being part of the Howard community. The university's alumni network spans government, business, law, medicine, and other professional fields, creating mentorship and career advancement opportunities that often prove more valuable than initial salary figures might suggest. This network effect helps explain why Howard graduates frequently achieve leadership positions and long-term career success that extends well beyond what traditional earnings metrics capture.
Howard University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that reflect both the quality of their education and the power of the university's professional networks. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $63,066, with many seeing their earnings grow substantially as they advance in their careers. The university's graduates consistently earn about $3,445 more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating Howard's ability to create value that extends well beyond the classroom.
The university's program mix reflects its strengths in preparing students for leadership roles across multiple sectors. American Government and Politics stands out as both a popular and financially rewarding field, with 89 graduates earning strong returns that reflect Howard's unique position in Washington, D.C. Information Resources Management delivers some of the highest early-career earnings at around $70,456, while Biology remains the largest program with 113 graduates, though earnings in this field start more modestly at around $20,140 as students often pursue graduate education. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, with 67 graduates earning around $32,569, represents Howard's commitment to health and wellness fields.
Howard's location in Washington, D.C., where cost of living runs above the national average, means graduates enter a competitive but high-opportunity job market. The university's extensive alumni network in government, law, business, and other professional sectors helps graduates navigate this environment and often leads to career advancement opportunities that justify the higher living costs through increased earning potential over time.
Howard University represents a significant financial investment, with net prices that reflect its status as a prestigious private institution. Low-income students pay approximately $44,234 annually, while middle-income families face costs around $49,005, and high-income families pay about $51,384. These prices place Howard in the higher range compared to many institutions, but they reflect the comprehensive educational experience and unique opportunities the university provides.
The university's financial aid approach focuses on making education accessible while maintaining its distinctive programs and services. Many families supplement grants and scholarships with borrowing, and Howard's graduates typically leave with about $24,500 in federal student loan debt. Parent PLUS borrowing is more substantial, averaging $47,138, reflecting the reality that many families choose to invest significantly in a Howard education for the long-term opportunities it creates.
What makes Howard's cost structure sustainable for many families is the strong earning potential of its graduates and the career opportunities that the university's network provides. The investment often pays dividends through access to high-level positions in government, law, business, and other professional fields that might be more difficult to access through other pathways. For families who can manage the upfront costs, Howard offers a return on investment that extends far beyond simple salary comparisons.
Howard University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
