Howard vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

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

Howard University is larger than DeSales University based on total student enrollment (14,890 students vs. 2,972 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Howard vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Howard or DeSales 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 DeSales University than Howard ($31,732 vs. $33,368).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at DeSales University are 20.3% lower than at Howard University ($13,800 vs. $17,322).
• DeSales University is 30.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Howard (about $10,990 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.7% higher at DeSales University than at Howard University (about $10,990 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DeSales University than at Howard University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 45.4% larger than aid received by Howard University students ($30,909 vs. $21,262).

Howard vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Howard University (1210) is 30 points higher than at DeSales University (1180).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Howard).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Howard University 1090/1320; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Howard University 22/28; DeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Howard - Test optional; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Howard Feb 15, 2027; DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Howard students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at DeSales University (3.39).
• DeSales University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Howard (41.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Howard vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

Howard vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Howard and DeSales University? 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.

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Howard University's (63%).
• Graduates from Howard University earn a median of about $700 more per year than DeSales University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, DeSales University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Howard graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, DeSales University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Howard graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More DeSales University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.