CollegeCalcAI
SelectiveUpdated for the 2025-2026 cycle

Howard University acceptance rate and admissions profile

Howard University is a private university in Washington, D.C. with a 34% acceptance rate, which makes it selective. Here is what it looks for, where it sits among Washington, D.C. schools, and how to estimate your own odds with CollegeCalcAI.

Acceptance rate
34%
Selective
Admitted SAT (75th pct)
1280
of admitted students
Type
Private
Washington, D.C.
Selectivity in state
#2
of 6 in DC
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What Howard University looks for

What Howard University weighs most heavily in its admissions review, modeled from its selectivity and profile.

Rigor of secondary school record
Very important
Academic GPA
Very important
Class rank
Important
Standardized test scores
Important
Application essay
Important
Recommendations
Important
Interview
Considered
Extracurricular activities
Important
Talent / ability
Considered
Character / personal qualities
Important
First-generation status
Considered
Alumni / legacy relation
Considered
Geographical residence
Considered
Volunteer work
Considered
Work experience
Considered
Level of applicant interest
Considered

SAT score positioning at Howard University

How common SAT scores sit relative to the admitted middle. This is context, not a probability — your full profile determines the real estimate.

SATWhere it sits at Howard University
1600Above the admitted 75th percentile
1500Above the admitted 75th percentile
1400Above the admitted 75th percentile
1300In the competitive admitted range
1200Below the middle, makes the rest of the profile matter more
1100Well below the admitted range

How Howard University compares in Washington, D.C.

Howard University ranks #2 most selective of 6 schools in Washington, D.C. in our database.

Georgetown University
12%acceptance · DC
George Washington University
49%acceptance · DC
Catholic University
65%acceptance · DC
Gallaudet University
65%acceptance · DC
District of Columbia
75%acceptance · DC
See all Washington, D.C. schools →

Similar to Howard University

Schools with a similar selectivity profile, worth comparing as you build a balanced list.

University of Rochester
34%acceptance · NY
Pepperdine University
35%acceptance · CA
Union College
35%acceptance · NY
Connecticut College
33%acceptance · CT
Tuskegee University
33%acceptance · AL
Stevens Institute of Technology
36%acceptance · NJ

Frequently asked questions

How hard is it to get into Howard University?

Howard University has a 34% acceptance rate, which makes it selective — it admits a minority of applicants. Admission depends on how your full profile compares to its admitted students, not on scores alone.

What SAT score do you need for Howard University?

There is no hard cutoff, but the admitted-student 75th-percentile SAT is around 1280. A score at or above the admitted range strengthens your application; CollegeCalcAI shows how your exact score shifts your odds.

What does Howard University value most in applicants?

Based on its admissions profile, Howard University weighs rigor of secondary school record, academic gpa, class rank most heavily. The full factor breakdown is on this page.

What are my chances of getting into Howard University?

Your chances depend on your GPA, course rigor, test scores, and activities together. Use the free CollegeCalcAI calculator to get a personalized acceptance estimate for Howard University in a few minutes, no account required.

Want the deeper guide? Read our full Howard University chances guide →

Acceptance rate and admitted test ranges reflect publicly reported data (U.S. Department of Education / NCES IPEDS / Common Data Sets). Estimates from CollegeCalcAI are a planning tool computed by a fixed, transparent model, not a guarantee of any admission decision.