Howard University's published cost of attendance is $54,630. Net price by income band reveals how financial aid reshapes that headline figure: low-income families pay approximately $46,051, middle-income families pay around $50,245, and higher-income families pay approximately $54,270.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $54,630 |
| Tuition and Fees | $35,810 |
| Room and Board | $17,322 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,360 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$4,091 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $50,539 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $46,051 |
| $30–48k | $47,477 |
| $48–75k | $50,245 |
| $75–110k | $52,981 |
| $110k+ | $54,270 |
Howard University's published cost of attendance is $54,630. Net price by income band reveals how financial aid reshapes that headline figure: low-income families pay approximately $46,051, middle-income families pay around $50,245, and higher-income families pay approximately $54,270. Azimuth ranks Howard University #1412 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Howard University's aid structure combines need-based grants, merit scholarships, and federal and institutional loan programs. The institution participates in federal aid (Pell Grants, Direct Loans) and offers need-based aid packages to families who complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile. The gap between published cost and net price reflects the aid Howard commits to qualifying students, though the affordability rank indicates that post-graduation debt service remains a meaningful consideration relative to peer institutions. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $24,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $58,682; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $72,974, median federal debt of $24,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $277 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Howard University earn median 4-year earnings of $72,974, placing Howard University in the 74.0 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $5,228 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Howard University in the 76.9 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Howard University #396 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Howard's strength in communication and media fields, where early-career outcomes tend to cluster in the mid-range relative to peer institutions. Howard University's program portfolio centers on communication and the liberal arts. Political Science is the largest program with 121 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $65,733, performing at 1.0× the national benchmark for the field per the program-ranking methodology. Biology, General enrolls 118 graduates with median 4-year earnings of $60,923, and Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other program graduates 116 students earning $59,909. Psychology, General and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication round out the largest degree programs, each contributing to Howard's broad liberal-arts foundation. The concentration in Communication — a field that emphasizes creative and analytical communication skills — shapes the institution's overall earnings profile and aligns with Washington, DC's media, nonprofit, and government sectors where many Howard graduates build careers.
