Howard University: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 34% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1280 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 26 |
| Location | DC |
| School type | Private |
Howard University is a private historically Black university located in Washington, D.C. It accepts roughly 34% of applicants, making it a genuinely selective school. Howard draws students from across the country and around the world who are looking for a rigorous academic experience at an institution with a distinct and storied tradition.
Calculate your chances at Howard University free →How hard is it to get into Howard University?
A 34% acceptance rate means Howard turns away about two-thirds of its applicants. That is a real bar, and students who get in have typically done well academically in high school. Howard is not just selective because of its reputation. It draws a large, competitive applicant pool, which keeps standards high.
If you are applying, strong grades and solid test scores are table stakes. But Howard's admissions process also pays attention to who you are, your background, and what you intend to do. Students who can articulate their goals clearly tend to make stronger impressions.
Test scores that make you competitive
Admitted students at Howard University tend to score around 1280 on the SAT at the 75th percentile, with an ACT equivalent of 26. That means most admitted students scored at or below those marks, so a score in the 1050-1280 SAT range or 20-26 ACT range is competitive.
Howard has moved toward test-optional admissions in recent cycles. If your scores are not your strongest asset, your GPA and the rest of your application can still make a compelling case for admission.
What Howard University looks for
Howard reviews applications holistically. Grades in rigorous courses, teacher recommendations, and your personal statement all factor in. Admissions readers are looking for students who will contribute to campus life and go on to do meaningful things after graduation.
Demonstrated interest in Howard's specific community and mission can also matter. Students who have thought carefully about why Howard is the right fit for them, and who can express that clearly, tend to write stronger application essays.
Estimate your chances at Howard University
For a free, personalized estimate of your odds at Howard, try the CollegeCalcAI calculator at collegecalcai.com. You enter your GPA, test scores, and activities and get an instant read on where you stand. It is a more useful starting point than a single acceptance rate number.
Frequently asked questions
What is Howard University's acceptance rate?
Howard University accepts about 34% of applicants, placing it in selective territory among private universities.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for Howard University?
The 75th percentile SAT score for admitted students is 1280 and the ACT is 26. A score in the 1050-1280 SAT or 20-26 ACT range is competitive. Howard has offered test-optional admissions in recent years.
Is Howard University hard to get into?
Yes, with a 34% acceptance rate it is selective. Strong academic preparation and a clear sense of purpose in your application are both important.
See your real odds at Howard University
Use the free calculator →Compare similar schools
Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.