Howard vs. Caldwell University

Comparable Facts

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

Howard University is larger than Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (14,890 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Howard University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Caldwell University is in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Howard University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Howard University 13:1; Caldwell University 12:1.

Howard vs. Caldwell University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Howard or Caldwell 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 Caldwell University than Howard ($21,875 vs. $33,368).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 18.1% lower than at Howard University ($14,188 vs. $17,322).
• Caldwell University is 14.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Howard (about $5,038 more per year; $40,848.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at Caldwell University than at Howard University (about $5,038 more per year; $40,848.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at Howard University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Caldwell University students is 52.1% larger than aid received by Howard University students ($32,340 vs. $21,262).

Howard vs. Caldwell University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Caldwell University (1250) is 40 points higher than at Howard (1210).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 1090/1320; Caldwell University 1130/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Howard - Test optional; Caldwell University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Howard Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Howard students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Howard (41.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Howard vs. 8.5% at Caldwell University.

Howard vs. Caldwell University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Howard and Caldwell 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 Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Howard University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Howard graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Howard graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Caldwell University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.