Howard vs. Alfred University

Comparable Facts

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

Howard University is larger than Alfred University based on total student enrollment (14,890 students vs. 2,007 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Howard University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Alfred University is in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Howard University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Howard University 13:1; Alfred University 9:1.

Howard vs. Alfred University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Howard or Alfred University? 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 Alfred University than Howard ($26,470 vs. $33,368).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alfred University are 11.2% lower than at Howard University ($15,380 vs. $17,322).
• Alfred University is 15.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Howard (about $5,690 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.9% higher at Alfred University than at Howard University (about $5,690 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alfred University than at Howard University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 45.9% larger than aid received by Howard University students ($31,022 vs. $21,262).

Howard vs. Alfred University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Howard or Alfred University? 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 Alfred University and Howard.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Howard University (1210) is 10 points higher than at Alfred University (1200).
• Incoming Alfred University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Howard).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 1090/1320; Alfred University 1095/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 22/28; Alfred University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Howard - Test optional; Alfred University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Howard Feb 15, 2027; Alfred University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Howard students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Alfred University (3.4).
• Alfred University has a higher acceptance rate (73.8%) than Howard (41.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Howard vs. 9.9% at Alfred University.

Howard vs. Alfred University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Howard and Alfred University? 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).

• Howard University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Alfred University's (60%).
• Graduates from Howard University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Alfred University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alfred University and Howard graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Alfred University and Howard graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Alfred University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.