About Howard University
Founded in 1867, the historic main campus of Howard University sits on a hilltop in Northwest Washington. As the only truly comprehensive predominantly African American university, Howard is one of the major engineers of change in our society. Howard ranks among the highest producers of the nation’s African American professionals in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, nursing, architecture, religion, law, music, social work and education.
Howard University is a private, research university comprised of 14 schools and colleges, where students can pursue studies leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Online programs are offered for the convenience of busy students who are seeking to balance work with getting an education.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Howard University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
3,544Fully Online Graduate Students:
15%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$24,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
87%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$21,995Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesHoward can deliver a high-payoff degree path, but finishing on time often depends on clean account processing each term. Enrollment momentum can slow when aid timing, balance corrections, or registration holds interrupt normal registration steps. That creates real timeline pressure even for committed students.
Cost is a major part of the completion picture here. Total annual cost is cited around $66,000 including tuition, housing, meals, and fees, and tuition and fees are a heavy burden even with aid. Billing timing can also be sharp, including a case of a bill worth thousands due with about one month’s notice.
At Howard, support is strongest in the classroom. Professors, mentors, and classmates often give steady help day to day. That guidance helps many students feel connected and supported as they move through their courses.
The bigger challenges tend to come from office processes. Financial aid and housing replies can take time. Account balances may need fixes, and registration holds can be slow to remove. This can feel frustrating when students must meet firm deadlines while office issues delay normal progress.
Howard includes online classes for some learners. One graduate note references starting online courses in fall. The school experience centers on strong community and mentorship.
Online learners should expect serious pace and clear expectations. Help from professors and peers is a key strength. Billing, aid, and registration issues can affect schedule flow. That support-plus-admin split is the main fit factor.
Howard classes are known for being challenging and career-focused. The workload can feel nonstop, but the work connects to real jobs and skills. Professors often link lessons to everyday practice, so classes feel useful, not just theoretical.
Classroom culture is serious, with a strong sense of shared effort. Students tend to push each other to stay on track and do their best. Experiences can vary by department, and some students are less positive about math. Even so, many students describe real growth through tough classes, motivated peers, and close faculty support.
Howard gives many students an education that can shape their lives. The school feels personal, not just like a transaction. Community and identity are part of daily life. Classes are rigorous and tied to real career goals.
Many students leave with strong growth and a lasting network. Howard offers pride, challenge, and long-term value. At times, though, office follow-through can be uneven. Aid delays, billing errors, and registration holds can create stress.
Cost can also feel high, especially when large bills arrive quickly. For many students, the payoff is still clear. Howard can open doors and build momentum for the future, even with some administrative bumps along the way.
Howard gives many students an education that can shape their lives. The school feels personal, not just like a transaction. Community and identity are part of daily life. Classes are rigorous and tied to real career goals.
Many students leave with strong growth and a lasting network. Howard offers pride, challenge, and long-term value. At times, though, office follow-through can be uneven. Aid delays, billing errors, and registration holds can create stress.
Cost can also feel high, especially when large bills arrive quickly. For many students, the payoff is still clear. Howard can open doors and build momentum for the future, even with some administrative bumps along the way.
Online Programs offered by Howard University
All Programs
Psychology & Human Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Howard University
Is Howard University accredited?
Yes. Howard University is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Howard University offer?
Howard University offers 6 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Howard University offer?
Howard University is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Howard University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Howard University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Howard University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Howard University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Howard University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Howard University programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Is Howard University military friendly?
Howard University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Howard University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Howard University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Statement of Purpose/Intent, Resume/CV, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Official College Transcript(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Howard University accept life experience credit?
Howard University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Howard University programs fully online or mixed?
Howard University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
Do any Howard University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include AACSB International (AACSB).
Are any admission tests required for Howard University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Howard University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Howard University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Howard University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Howard University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Howard University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Howard University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Howard University is featured in 2 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Howard University is located in District of Columbia
District of Columbia at a Glance:
Top Majors in District of Columbia:
Top Incentives in District of Columbia:
- DC Tuition Assistance Grant: Up to $10,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in District of Columbia:
- Entry Level: Policy Analyst ($70,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Policy Advisor ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Policy Director ($180,000+)
- Required Education: BS Political Science
- Certifications: PMP, Security Clearance