Washington, District of Columbia · Private · 10,108 undergrads · HBCU
Howard admitted 42% of applicants for fall 2025 (15,724 of 37,270, Common Data Set 2025-26). Howard admitted 84% of early decision applicants (363 of 430). The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1050–1270.
The numbers
Applied
37,270
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
20–26
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.68
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
19%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$45
waivers exist
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Can I get into Howard?
42% of applicants get in
Competitive: your grades and the classes you took matter most. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1050–1270 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
37,270 applied, 15,724 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Howard need the SAT or ACT?Not checked yet
Not sure yet
We haven't checked Howard's fall 2027 rule yet. Howard didn't require scores for fall 2024 (federal data). We haven't checked fall 2027 yet, so confirm on its site.
For fall 2025, 363 of 430 early decision applicants got in (84%), against 42% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
Early action is offered: you hear sooner and don't have to commit.
Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 1, 2026
Closed
Early action
Was due Nov 1, 2026
84days
Regular decision
Due Monday, Feb 1, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
1,310 students were offered a spot on the wait list.
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Howard looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, GPA, SAT or ACT scores.
Counts a lot
Character.
Also considered
Class rank, essay, recommendations, activities, talent or ability, first in your family to go to college, A parent or relative went there, volunteering, work experience, showing interest (visits, emails).
As Howard rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Howard University's acceptance rate?
Howard admitted 42% of applicants for fall 2025 (15,724 of 37,270, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Howard University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1050–1270. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Howard University early decision?
For fall 2025, 363 of 430 early decision applicants got in (84%), against 42% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
