Howard vs. Washington College

Comparable Facts

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

Howard University is larger than Washington College based on total student enrollment (14,890 students vs. 923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Howard University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Washington College is in Chestertown, MD (Distant Town setting).
• Howard University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Howard University 13:1; Washington College 8:1.

Howard vs. Washington College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Howard or Washington College? 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 Washington College than Howard ($29,830 vs. $33,368).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Howard University are 5.1% lower than at Washington College ($17,322 vs. $18,250).
• Washington College is 54.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Howard (about $19,516 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.5% higher at Washington College than at Howard University (about $19,516 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington College than at Howard University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington College students is 104.5% larger than aid received by Howard University students ($43,485 vs. $21,262).

Howard vs. Washington College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Howard or Washington College? 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 Washington College and Howard.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington College (1270) is 60 points higher than at Howard (1210).
• Incoming Washington College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 25 at Howard).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 1090/1320; Washington College 1140/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 22/28; Washington College 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Howard - Test optional; Washington College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Howard Feb 15, 2027; Washington College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington College students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Howard (3.66).
• Washington College has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than Howard (41.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Howard vs. 11.5% at Washington College.

Howard vs. Washington College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Howard and Washington College? 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).

• Washington College's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Howard University's (63%).
• Graduates from Howard University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Washington College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington College graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Howard graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington College graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Howard graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Washington College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.