George Washington vs. Howard

Comparable Facts

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

George Washington University is larger than Howard based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 14,890 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

George Washington vs. Howard Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Washington 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 George Washington ($33,368 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Washington University are 2.3% lower than at Howard University ($16,920 vs. $17,322).
• George Washington University is 89.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Howard (about $31,900 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.1% higher at George Washington than at Howard University (about $31,900 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Howard University than at George Washington University (99% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Washington University students is 76.4% larger than aid received by Howard University students ($37,500 vs. $21,262).

George Washington vs. Howard Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, George Washington or Howard? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Howard and George Washington.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at George Washington University (1430) is 220 points higher than at Howard (1210).
• Incoming George Washington students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (32 vs. 25 at Howard).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: George Washington University 1350/1500; Howard University 1090/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: George Washington University 31/34; Howard University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Washington - Test optional; Howard - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: George Washington Jan 5, 2027; Howard Feb 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman George Washington students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Howard (3.66).
• George Washington has a higher acceptance rate (47.1%) than Howard (41.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.3% at George Washington vs. 19.4% at Howard.

George Washington vs. Howard Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Washington and Howard? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• George Washington University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Howard University's (63%).
• Graduates from George Washington University earn a median of about $28,700 more per year than Howard graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,500 vs. $51,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Washington University graduates have a $2,038 lower median loan debt than Howard graduates ($24,962 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, George Washington graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Howard graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More George Washington graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.