AU vs. Howard

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Howard University in Washington, DC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Howard University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (14,890 students vs. 12,321 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Howard University is in Washington, DC (Large City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Howard University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Howard University 13:1.

AU vs. Howard Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Howard? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Howard University than AU ($33,368 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Howard University are 3.7% lower than at American University ($17,322 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 64.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Howard (about $22,961 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.1% higher at AU than at Howard University (about $22,961 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Howard University than at American University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 71% larger than aid received by Howard University students ($36,349 vs. $21,262).

AU vs. Howard Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Howard? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Howard and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 160 points higher than at Howard (1210).
• Incoming AU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Howard).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Howard University 1090/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Howard University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Howard - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Howard Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Howard (3.66).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Howard (41.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 19.4% at Howard.

AU vs. Howard Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Howard? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• American University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Howard University's (63%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Howard graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $51,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Howard graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Howard graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 33%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.