At $47,919/yr net price, Howard University graduates earn $63,066/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,066/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $47,919 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $191,676 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,066/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,066/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $44,234/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $45,504/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $49,005/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $50,842/yr |
| $110,001+ | $51,384/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $139,816 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $121,694 | $236,918 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $106,421 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $100,571 | $316,095 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $100,038 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $97,959 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $91,744 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $84,653 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $84,653 | |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Bachelor | $82,440 |
The Risk Factor
68.9% of students at Howard University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Howard University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $47,919 annual net price creates a steep climb for most graduates, with median earnings of $63,066 after ten years barely justifying the investment for many majors.
Your program selection determines everything here. Pharmacy and dentistry graduates earn six-figure salaries that can handle the massive debt loads these programs require, with pharmacy students facing $236,918 in debt but earning $121,694 annually. Allied health programs offer strong returns at $106,421 without the crushing debt burden. However, most other majors struggle to generate sufficient income to offset Howard's premium pricing.
The 68.9% graduation rate poses real financial risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying positions. The $24,500 median debt figure understates the true burden since it excludes the professional programs where students borrow heavily.
Howard makes financial sense if you're pursuing healthcare, particularly pharmacy or allied health fields where the school's reputation opens doors in Washington DC's strong medical sector. The 40.53% of students receiving aid suggests limited institutional grant money, making merit scholarships important for affordability.
Skip Howard if you're considering liberal arts, business, or other programs where the premium price won't pay off in your starting salary. The DC location drives up costs without guaranteeing access to high-paying local opportunities for most majors. You need either substantial family resources or acceptance into one of the high-earning professional programs to make the numbers work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Howard University worth the cost?
Howard University's high net price of $47,919 annually leads to modest returns, with graduates earning $63,066 ten years after enrollment. The investment pays off best for students in dentistry, pharmacy, and allied health programs, but other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the highest paying majors at Howard University?
Howard University's top-earning programs are dentistry and pharmacy, with graduates making $100,000-$140,000 annually. These health science programs offer strong ROI that can offset the university's high tuition costs.
How much debt do Howard University students graduate with?
Howard University graduates carry a median debt of $24,500, which is manageable compared to the school's high costs. However, with average earnings of $63,066 ten years out, loan payments may still strain budgets for graduates outside high-paying health programs.
Does Howard University have good financial aid?
Despite financial aid, Howard University students face a net price of nearly $48,000 annually. The 69% graduation rate means about one in three students leave without a degree, making the financial risk significant for families.