Howard University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 19, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~35%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20-26
- Middle 50% SAT: 1060-1270
- Average GPA: 3.66
- Below the typical ranges: This is a reach. Howard is selective, and both admission and merit become unlikely below their typical GPA/test ranges.
- In the typical ranges: You’re competitive, but not guaranteed. Apply by the Nov 1 priority deadline to stay in the running for merit.
- Well above the ranges: You’re in strong shape for admission and automatic merit tiers—but top scholarships are still highly competitive.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Howard University at a Glance
- Automatic merit (HUFS tiers) exists, but it usually doesn’t come close to covering full cost.
- Nov 1 is critical—that’s the priority deadline for merit consideration.
- Top awards like Karsh STEM (full ride) are extremely competitive—don’t build your plan around winning one.
- Howard’s net price is high, so families should plan for a significant remaining cost even with merit.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Howard University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 20-26; SAT: 1060-1270.
Average net price? About $47,919/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
University scholarship page: https://admission.howard.edu/financialsupport
Howard AcademicWorks scholarship portal: https://howard.academicworks.com
Karsh STEM Scholars official site: https://karshstemscholars.howard.edu/applicant-roadmap
College of Fine Arts scholarship page: https://finearts.howard.edu/resources/chadwick-boseman-memorial-scholarship
Donor scholarship application information page: https://financialservices.howard.edu/resources/donor-scholarship-application
University scholarship page: https://financialservices.howard.edu/financial-aid/funding-opportunities/federal-work-study-fws/grants-scholarships-and-other
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Howard University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $37,996 | $37,996 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $18,982 | $18,982 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $56,978 | $56,978 |
Average Federal Net Price: $47,919 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options
- No reciprocity programs apply (Howard is private and charges one tuition rate for all undergraduates).
- No WUE / ACM / MSEP-style discounts were identified on Howard’s official cost/charges pages.
- Notable exception: Howard publishes a 10% undergraduate tuition discount for multiple siblings enrolled full-time at Howard concurrently (eligibility rules apply).
Reality check: At most public universities, “waivers” can erase a big out-of-state upcharge. At Howard, there isn’t an out-of-state upcharge to waive — the key is how much institutional grant + scholarship aid your student receives.
- HUFS scholarships typically apply to tuition and required fees first. Housing and meals are usually covered only after tuition is met, depending on the award structure.
- On-campus housing is not guaranteed for all four years. Many students live on campus early and move off-campus later, which can change total costs.
- Transportation costs vary widely. Many Howard students rely on walking and public transit in Washington, D.C., which can be less expensive than the standard COA transportation estimate.
- One notable exception: Howard offers a 10% undergraduate tuition discount for siblings enrolled full-time at the same time (eligibility rules apply).
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Howard University
Why are in-state and out-of-state costs the same at Howard?
Howard is a private university, so it doesn’t use state residency to set tuition. Everyone pays the same published tuition and mandatory fees.
What’s the difference between “direct/billed” costs and the full cost of attendance?
Direct (billed) costs are what you typically pay to the university: tuition, required fees, housing, and meals. The full Cost of Attendance also includes indirect estimates like books, transportation, and personal expenses — which matter for financial aid, even though they’re not paid to Howard as a bill.
Does Howard participate in WUE, ACM, MSEP, or other regional tuition exchanges?
No. Those programs are designed to reduce nonresident tuition at public universities. Howard charges one tuition rate for all undergraduates, so regional reciprocity doesn’t apply.
Is the sibling tuition discount a “waiver”?
Not exactly — it’s a Howard policy benefit. Howard publishes a 10% undergraduate tuition discount when multiple siblings are enrolled full-time at the same time (check the current rules and eligibility requirements).
How should I use the $47,919 average net price?
Use it as a starting point, not a guarantee. Families with strong institutional scholarships (like HUFS tiers) or need-based grants may pay less, while families who receive limited grant aid may pay closer to the full published cost.
https://financialservices.howard.edu/tuition-fees/cost-attendance/2025-2026-estimated-cost-attendance
https://financialservices.howard.edu/tuition-fees/room-and-board/cost-attendance
https://financialservices.howard.edu/sites/financialaid.howard.edu/files/2025-11/Official%20Notice%20of%20Student%20Charges%20AY%202025-2026.pdf
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?131520
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Howard University (2026–2027)
Howard University’s primary automatic merit structure for incoming first-year students is the Howard University Freshman Scholarship (HUFS). Eligible students are reviewed automatically using their admission file — no separate institutional scholarship application is required.
- Howard does not publish a fixed GPA/test-score matrix for HUFS awards; tiers and amounts can shift by year.
- Howard is test-optional, but when submitted, test scores may influence HUFS placement.
- Howard does not clearly state a superscore policy for ACT or SAT in its Common Data Set or admission materials.
*GPA/test ranges and award amounts are estimates based on past recipients, published profiles, and institutional guidance; actual thresholds and dollar values can change by year.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at Howard University
Do I need to apply separately for HUFS scholarships?
No. HUFS awards are reviewed automatically using your admission application.
Are HUFS awards merit-only or need-based?
HUFS includes both merit-based and need-based components. Some tiers factor in financial need using FAFSA (or ISFAA for international students).
Are HUFS scholarships renewable?
Yes, most are renewable for up to eight semesters, provided students meet GPA, enrollment, and credit-load requirements.
Does Howard superscore ACT or SAT?
Howard does not clearly state a superscore policy in its published materials. When submitting scores, families should assume single-sitting review unless confirmed otherwise.
Can HUFS amounts change after admission?
Yes. Institutional awards may be adjusted if new information (test scores, aid eligibility, or funding limits) changes the overall aid package.
https://financialservices.howard.edu/financial-aid/financial-aid-basics/how-apply-federal-aid/types-aid
https://financialservices.howard.edu/financial-aid/funding-opportunities/federal-work-study-fws/grants-scholarships-and-other
https://admission.howard.edu/financialsupport
🏆 Flagship Scholarships at Howard University (Competitive)
Unlike many public universities, Howard’s largest institutional awards are delivered automatically through HUFS. As a result, only a small number of competitive, college-wide programs function as true flagship scholarships that materially change the cost of attendance for incoming freshmen.
🎓 QuestBridge National College Match
Howard University is a QuestBridge partner college.
For students from low-income households who qualify, the QuestBridge Match
often results in a full four-year financial aid package that can cover tuition and living costs.
QuestBridge is need-based and highly selective, not a merit scholarship. Awards are coordinated with Howard’s institutional financial aid policies and require meeting national income and eligibility guidelines.
👉 Learn how the QuestBridge Match works (plain-English guide)
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at Howard University
Is Karsh STEM the only true flagship scholarship at Howard?
Yes. Karsh STEM is the only clearly defined, college-wide competitive program that consistently covers
the full cost of attendance for incoming undergraduates. Other large awards are typically delivered
through HUFS (automatic) or through departmental and donor funds.
Can non-STEM students compete for a full-ride flagship scholarship?
Howard does not publish a non-STEM, full-ride flagship program equivalent to Karsh STEM. Non-STEM students
generally rely on HUFS automatic awards plus departmental, donor, and external scholarships.
Is Karsh STEM guaranteed for National Merit or top-test-score students?
No. Karsh STEM is not tied to National Merit status or fixed score cutoffs. Selection is holistic and
extremely selective, with an emphasis on academic excellence, leadership, and long-term STEM goals.
Do flagship scholarships stack with HUFS?
Flagship awards like Karsh STEM typically replace or subsume other institutional aid rather than stack
on top of it. Final aid packages are coordinated by Howard’s financial aid office.
https://admission.howard.edu/financialsupport
https://financialservices.howard.edu/financial-aid/funding-opportunities/federal-work-study-fws/grants-scholarships-and-other
🎖 Honors Program at Howard University
Howard University does not operate a single, centralized “Honors College” with automatic merit scholarships. Instead, honors opportunities are offered through select academic programs and specialized cohorts, with a strong emphasis on research, academic enrichment, and preparation for external fellowships.
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
| Program | Who It’s For | Admission Type | Scholarship Included? | Key Perks | When Students Apply | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Arts & Sciences (COAS) Honors Program | High-achieving students in Arts & Sciences majors | Competitive; application required | No | Smaller seminars, research opportunities, faculty mentoring | After admission or during first year | Academic enrichment focus rather than funding |
| ACE Scholars Program | Top students pursuing national or international fellowships | Selective, program-based application | No (external focus) | Intensive advising for Rhodes, Fulbright, Truman, Goldwater, etc. | Typically after enrollment | Supports external scholarships, not institutional aid |
FAQ — Honors at Howard University
Does Howard have an Honors College with guaranteed scholarships?
No. Howard’s honors programs focus on academic enrichment and research rather than automatic institutional
scholarship funding.
Do honors students receive more financial aid?
Not automatically. Honors participation does not guarantee additional institutional aid, though it may
strengthen applications for competitive internal or external scholarships.
Is the ACE Scholars Program a scholarship?
No. ACE Scholars is an advising and preparation program designed to help students compete for
prestigious external fellowships and awards.
When should students apply to honors programs?
Most honors opportunities at Howard open after admission or during the first year, rather than during
the senior-year application cycle.
https://coashonors.howard.edu/about-our-program/what-expect
https://ous.howard.edu/academic-resources/ace-scholars-program
⭐ College Specialty
Howard University is one of the most nationally recognized historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the U.S., with a reputation that extends well beyond any single major. Families often associate Howard with leadership, culture, and impact — and academically, the university is especially known for programs that blend rigorous coursework, professional pipelines, and national visibility.
Communications, Journalism & Media — Howard’s School of Communications is widely regarded as one of the top pipelines in the country for media, journalism, public relations, and broadcasting. Alumni are prominent across major news networks, media companies, and public-facing leadership roles.
- Business (School of Business): Known for producing graduates in finance, accounting, management, and entrepreneurship, with strong alumni networks and corporate recruiting ties.
- Health Sciences: Howard has a long-standing national reputation in health-related fields, supported by its medical, pharmacy, and health sciences ecosystem and emphasis on service-driven careers.
- Engineering & STEM: Offers competitive engineering and STEM programs, with selective pathways like the Karsh STEM Scholars Program supporting students pursuing advanced research and graduate study.
- Fine Arts & Performing Arts: Home to the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, Howard is recognized for producing influential artists, performers, and creatives across film, theater, music, and visual arts.
🔗 Official Howard University Links
Use Howard University’s official resources below to confirm admissions requirements, scholarship policies, costs, and academic offerings. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, eligibility rules, and award details.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://admission.howard.edu/undergraduate -
Application Types & Deadlines (Early Action / Regular Decision):
https://admission.howard.edu/undergraduate/application-process -
Scholarships & Institutional Financial Aid (HUFS & Other Awards):
https://financialservices.howard.edu/financial-aid/funding-opportunities/federal-work-study-fws/grants-scholarships-and-other -
Central Scholarship Application Portal (AcademicWorks):
https://howard.academicworks.com -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://financialservices.howard.edu/tuition-fees/cost-attendance/2025-2026-estimated-cost-attendance -
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/howard -
Admitted Student Profile & Common Data Set:
https://ira.howard.edu/admission-dashboard -
Honors & Academic Enrichment Programs:
https://coashonors.howard.edu/about-our-program/what-expect