Washington, DC · Private University
Is Howard University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$63,066
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$33,344
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,344
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$133,376
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.89x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
68.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$24,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$47,919
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Howard University graduates earn $18,066 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Howard University ranked by graduate earnings
28 graduates
21 graduates
37 graduates
55 graduates
20 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Howard University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Howard University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Management Information Systems and Services: $103,418) and the lowest (Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other: $25,878) is $77,540/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and ServicesBest ROI | $103,418 | 3.1x |
| Computer Systems Analysis | $86,521 | 2.6x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $81,023 | 2.4x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $79,113 | 2.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $69,537 | 2.1x |
| International Business(1yr data) | $61,040 | 1.8x |
| Political Science and Government | $53,976 | 1.6x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $48,062 | 1.4x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $44,942 | 1.4x |
| Psychology, General | $44,692 | 1.3x |
| Biology, General | $41,949 | 1.3x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication(1yr data) | $39,120 | 1.2x |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $34,772 | 1.0x |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, OtherLowest(1yr data) | $25,878 | 0.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard University | 1.89x | $63,066 | Good ROI |
| Spelman College | 2.00x | $59,993 | Good ROI |
| Tuskegee University | 2.12x | $49,641 | Strong ROI |
| Hampton University | 2.03x | $59,159 | Strong ROI |
| Union University | 1.40x | $53,990 | Average ROI |
| Anderson University | 1.25x | $42,101 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Howard University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $63,066 10 years after starting, $18,066 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.8 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.