George Washington University vs Howard University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for George Washington University and Howard University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
George Washington University vs Howard University at a glance
George Washington University admits 47.1% of applicants and Howard University 41.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $35,760 at George Washington University and $33,002 at Howard University. Six-year graduation rates are 82.5% and 73.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- George Washington University admits 47.1% of applicants and Howard University 41.3%, so Howard University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $35,760 a year at George Washington University and $33,002 at Howard University; Howard University costs $2,758 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $19,440 at George Washington University and $28,321 at Howard University.
- 82.5% of students graduate within six years at George Washington University, against 73.5% at Howard University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $96,691 for George Washington University and $69,682 for Howard University; George Washington University is $27,009 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,857 at George Washington University and $23,750 at Howard University.
- George Washington University enrolls 11,182 students (large city) and Howard University 10,108 (large city).
Side by side
George Washington University and Howard University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | George Washington University | Howard University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 47.1% | 41.3% |
| Applicants | 27,236 | 29,396 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1350–1500 | 1090–1320 |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–34 | 22–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $35,760 | $33,002 |
| Tuition, in state | $70,170 | $38,936 |
| Tuition, out of state | $70,170 | $38,936 |
| Cost of attendance | $87,253 | $58,032 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $19,440 | $28,321 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $17,768 | $28,262 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $21,338 | $30,273 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $28,010 | $31,722 |
| Over $110,000 | $52,577 | $41,046 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.5% | 73.5% |
| First-year retention | 92.2% | 90.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $96,691 | $69,682 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,857 | $23,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $226 | $270 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 11,182 | 10,108 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
George Washington University reports 83 bachelor's programs and Howard University 47; 34 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about George Washington University vs Howard University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into George Washington University or Howard University?
Howard University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: George Washington University admits 47.1% of applicants and Howard University admits 41.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: George Washington University 1350–1500; Howard University 1090–1320.
Which is cheaper, George Washington University or Howard University?
Howard University has the lower average net price after grants: $35,760 a year at George Washington University against $33,002 at Howard University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $19,440 and $28,321. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do George Washington University or Howard University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more at the median: $96,691 ten years after entry for George Washington University and $69,682 for Howard University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,857 and $23,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, George Washington University or Howard University?
George Washington University does: 82.5% of George Washington University students graduate within six years, against 73.5% at Howard University.
How big are George Washington University and Howard University?
George Washington University has 11,182 students in Washington, DC and Howard University has 10,108 students in Washington, DC.