Howard University is a private not-for-profit research university in Washington, D.C., founded in 1867. It ranks #86 among National Universities as per US News 2025 and holds the R1 highest research classification given to leading US doctoral institutions. The 258-acre urban campus enrols 9,536 students across 14 schools and colleges.
The university offers programmes across arts, sciences, engineering, business, law and medicine, all delivered in English. Popular streams for Indian applicants include MS in Computer Science, MBA, LLM and MS in Data Science. M.Eng Civil Engineering also attracts steady India-based enrolment each cycle at MS universities in USA. Both Fall (August) and Spring (January) intakes open to international applicants.
- Ranking: #86 among National Universities as per US News 2025
- Acceptance rate: 30% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG tuition: USD 34,600 to USD 60,000 per year (INR 30.1 lakh to INR 52.2 lakh)
- International student share: 8% of 9,536 total enrolment
- Average MS starting salary: USD 72,000 (INR 62.6 lakh), market median for Howard University STEM graduates
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
Tuition sits in the mid-band of US private universities, with need- and merit-based aid pathways for international students. STEM graduates from Howard University qualify for a 36-month OPT work extension post-graduation. Indian students form part of the 8% international cohort on the urban Washington, D.C. campus.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 87 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake for selected graduate programmes). Spring 2027 graduate application deadlines close between October 2026 and November 2026 depending on the programme. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open September 2026 on a rolling basis with regular decision closing February 2027 based on prior cycles. Verify programme-specific dates on the official Howard University admissions pages.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Howard University 2027
- Howard University Admission 2027
- Howard University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Howard University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Howard University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Howard University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Howard University Scholarships 2027
- Howard University Rankings 2027
- Howard University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Howard University vs Peer Universities
- Howard University FAQs
Popular Courses at Howard University and Fees 2027
Howard University charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis for most graduate programmes and a flat annual undergraduate rate. Fees vary by school (Business, Engineering, Law, Medicine) and by programme intensity. Indian applicants can compare total programme cost against expected career outcomes across MS, MBA and LLM streams.
Howard University Top 10 PG Programmes and Fees 2027
Most Howard University MS programmes span 30-36 credits over 3-4 semesters, with tuition running per credit hour. The MBA runs 24 months full-time; LLM completes in one year. Confirm exact per-credit rates on the official fee schedule before enrolment.
| Program | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | USD 58,000 (estimated) | 50.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MBA | USD 108,000 (estimated) | 93.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 plus GMAT/GRE (recommended) |
| M.Eng Civil Engineering | USD 58,000 (estimated) | 50.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in Engineering with 65% (recommended) |
| LLM | USD 62,000 (estimated) | 53.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in Law with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Data Science | USD 58,000 (estimated) | 50.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Electrical Engineering | USD 58,000 (estimated) | 50.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in Engineering with 65% (recommended) |
| MS Nutrition Sciences | USD 55,000 (estimated) | 47.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Chemistry | USD 58,000 (estimated) | 50.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in Chemistry with 60% (recommended) |
| MPH Public Health | USD 68,000 (estimated) | 59.2 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MSW Social Work | USD 62,000 (estimated) | 53.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
[Source: Howard University graduate fee schedule (indicative)]
Howard University Top 5 UG Programmes and Fees 2027
Undergraduate tuition at Howard University follows a flat annual rate across most majors, billed per academic year across four years. Room, board and mandatory fees add to total cost. Verify current annual tuition on the official Bursar page before deposit.
| Program | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science | USD 145,000 (estimated) | 126.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 80% (recommended) |
| BBA | USD 145,000 (estimated) | 126.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 75% (recommended) |
| BS Biology | USD 145,000 (estimated) | 126.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 75% (recommended) |
| BS Chemical Engineering | USD 148,000 (estimated) | 128.8 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 80% (recommended) |
| BA Political Science | USD 145,000 (estimated) | 126.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants at Howard University concentrate in MS Computer Science, MS Data Science and MBA, driven by the 36-month OPT eligibility and the Washington, D.C. federal-employer hiring corridor.
Read More: Howard University Programmes and Fees Guide
Howard University Admission 2027
Howard University runs two main intakes each academic year: Fall (August) and Spring (January), with Fall carrying the highest programme availability for Indian applicants. Detailed programme-level checklists live in the dedicated admissions silo.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 UG regular decision deadline | Expected February 2027 (based on prior cycles) | Early Action typically closes November 2026 |
| Fall 2027 graduate deadlines | Varies by programme; typically January to April 2027 | Verify at official programme page |
| Spring 2027 graduate deadlines | October to November 2026 (based on prior cycles) | Limited programmes accept Spring international admits |
| Credential verification (WES/ECE) | Start 8-12 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course report needed for graduate applications |
| Programme start | August 2027 | Fall semester orientation for Indian arrivals |
[Source: Howard University admissions page]
Planning note: Indian applicants targeting Fall 2027 should initiate WES credential evaluation by October 2026, since the process runs 6-8 weeks after all official transcripts reach WES.
Read More: Howard University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Howard University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Howard University sets high-level thresholds for Indian applicants across academic, language and credential-verification requirements. Programme-specific document checklists sit in the admissions silo.
Howard University PG Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Graduate applicants from India need a four-year bachelor’s degree assessed as US-equivalent, English proficiency evidence and credential evaluation.
- Academic: Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) from a UGC-recognised Indian university
- English test: TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 58, Duolingo 110 (verify programme-specific minimums at official page)
- Credential verification: WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation
- Standardised tests: GRE or GMAT required for MBA and select MS programmes; waivers apply to strong GPA profiles
Howard University UG Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Undergraduate applicants submit via the Common Application with Class 12 marks, English proficiency and supporting documents.
- Academic: Class 12 with 75% to 85% (recommended) from CBSE, ICSE or State Board
- English test: TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.5 (verify at official page)
- Standardised tests: SAT or ACT optional; strong scores improve merit scholarship consideration
Key insight: Indian applicants completing Class 12 in English medium can request a language waiver at Howard University by submitting a school-issued medium-of-instruction certificate, avoiding TOEFL or IELTS.
Howard University Acceptance Rate 2027
Howard University maintains a moderately selective acceptance rate of 30% (estimated) for undergraduate admissions, with graduate acceptance varying by school and programme. Estimate derived from third-party enrolment reports; the university does not routinely publish an official combined figure.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 30% (estimated) | Selective |
| 2024 | 32% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2023 | 36% (estimated) | Higher |
Graduate-programme acceptance runs higher for STEM MS streams and tighter for MBA and Law. Indian applicants with GPA above 3.3 on the 4.0 scale generally clear the academic bar for MS programmes.
Reality check: A 30% acceptance rate sits mid-tier among US private research universities; Indian applicants improve odds by targeting Early Action deadlines and strengthening SOPs with programme-specific research fit.
Read More: Universities in USA
Howard University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at Howard University runs USD 60,000 to USD 90,000 (INR 52.2 lakh to INR 78.3 lakh) depending on programme level, housing and lifestyle. Tuition drives the largest share; Washington, D.C. living costs sit above the US national average.
Howard University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate tuition runs on a flat annual rate; graduate programmes bill per credit hour.
| Level | Annual tuition (USD) | Annual tuition (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | USD 34,600 to USD 37,000 (estimated) | 30.1 lakh to 32.2 lakh (estimated) |
| Graduate (MS) | USD 32,000 to USD 40,000 (estimated) | 27.8 lakh to 34.8 lakh (estimated) |
| MBA | USD 52,000 to USD 56,000 (estimated) | 45.2 lakh to 48.7 lakh (estimated) |
| Law (LLM) | USD 58,000 to USD 62,000 (estimated) | 50.5 lakh to 53.9 lakh (estimated) |
Monthly Cost of Living in Washington D.C. for Howard University Indian Students
Washington, D.C. carries a higher cost of living than most US metros outside New York and San Francisco. On-campus housing controls this partially.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared or on-campus) | USD 1,400 to USD 1,800 (estimated) | 1.22 lakh to 1.57 lakh (estimated) |
| Food and groceries | USD 500 (estimated) | 0.44 lakh (estimated) |
| Transportation (Metro pass) | USD 150 (estimated) | 0.13 lakh (estimated) |
| Books and supplies | USD 100 (estimated) | 0.09 lakh (estimated) |
| Personal and utilities | USD 250 (estimated) | 0.22 lakh (estimated) |
| Total monthly | USD 2,400 to USD 2,800 (estimated) | 2.09 lakh to 2.44 lakh (estimated) |
| Total annual | USD 28,800 to USD 33,600 (estimated) | 25.1 lakh to 29.2 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: US Department of State cost-of-attendance guidance for Washington D.C.]
Insider note: Indian graduate students at Howard University who live 2-3 Metro stops from campus (Petworth, Columbia Heights) trim rent by USD 300 to USD 500 monthly compared with on-campus housing.
Read More: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students
Howard University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Howard University sits on a 258-acre urban campus in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., 3 kilometres from the White House and connected via the Green Line Metro.
- Location and transport: Shaw-Howard University Metro station on campus; direct 15-minute rides to downtown DC and Capitol Hill
- Housing: On-campus housing runs USD 8,000 to USD 12,000 per academic year; first-year international students prioritised in the residence lottery
- Research facilities: Howard University Hospital, the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center and the College of Engineering research labs anchor the R1 research classification
- Indian student community: Small but active graduate-cohort presence in Engineering, Business and Health Sciences schools; ISA-style events run through the graduate student council
What Indian students say: Indian graduate students value the tight cohort sizes and direct faculty access; they flag Washington, D.C. rent as the biggest budget shock and recommend arranging off-campus housing 6-8 weeks before arrival.
Howard University Scholarships 2027
Howard University administers merit-based and need-based scholarships primarily for undergraduate applicants, with a smaller pool of graduate assistantships. Institutional aid for international students is limited; Indian applicants should pair Howard University aid with external scholarships.
| Scholarship | Type | Award value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Merit (UG) | Full tuition (verify at official URL) | Top academic achievers with 3.75+ GPA, SAT/ACT excellence | November 2026 (estimated) |
| Founder’s Scholarship | Merit (UG) | Full tuition, room and board (verify at official URL) | Exceptional academic and leadership profile | November 2026 (estimated) |
| Capstone Awards | Merit (UG) | Partial tuition (verify at official URL) | Strong Class 12 and standardised test scores | February 2027 (estimated) |
| Trustee Scholarship | Merit (UG) | Partial tuition (verify at official URL) | Academic merit and demonstrated leadership | February 2027 (estimated) |
| Graduate Assistantships | Merit (PG) | Tuition remission plus stipend (verify at official URL) | Departmental nomination; research or teaching duties | Rolling by department |
Planning note: Indian graduate applicants at Howard University should contact prospective faculty directly by September 2026 to raise assistantship visibility for Fall 2027 admits, since departmental nominations drive PG funding decisions.
Read More: MS Universities in USA with Scholarships
Howard University Rankings 2027
Howard University’s strongest ranking sits at #86 among US National Universities as per US News 2025, alongside the top position among HBCUs. Its QS World rank holds steady in the #1001-1200 band across recent editions.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: #1001-1200 | 2026: #1001-1200 | 2025: #1001-1200 |
| THE World | Not ranked in THE 2026 | 2023: #351-400 (band) | 2022: #251-300 (band) |
| US News Best Global | 2025-2026: #1093 | 2024: #1005 | 2023: #767 |
| US News National Universities | 2025: #86 | 2024: #89 (estimated) | 2023: #101 (estimated) |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | 2026: #304 of 824 | NA | NA |
[Source: QS, THE, US News, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Howard University additionally ranks #30 among Most Innovative Schools and #1 HBCU as per Forbes 2026. US News Best Engineering places its engineering programmes at #142 and Best Law at #117. ARWU has not ranked Howard University in the top global 1000 for recent editions.
Key insight: The US News National ranking of #86 matters more than QS World band for Indian applicants targeting US employer recognition and Indian public-bank education loans, since domestic US rankings drive both hiring and loan-eligibility rules.
Read More: Howard University Rankings Analysis
Howard University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Howard University graduates enter the Washington, D.C. federal, consulting and tech corridor with strong network access. Median outcomes reflect the university’s private-research and HBCU positioning.
- Median starting salary (MS): USD 72,000 (INR 62.6 lakh) as market median for STEM graduates in DC metro
- Median starting salary (MBA): USD 95,000 (INR 82.7 lakh) as market median for MBA graduates
- Employment rate: Not officially disclosed for combined cohort
- Career sectors: Federal government, consulting (Big Four), tech (representative employers), healthcare and law
- Post-study work visa: 12-month OPT for all graduates, extended to 36 months for STEM programme graduates
Insider note: Indian graduates at Howard University access the DC federal-contractor ecosystem more readily than at non-DC US universities, though many federal-agency roles require US citizenship; consulting and tech roles remain the primary path for Indian OPT holders.
Howard University vs Peer Universities
Howard University stands out in the Washington, D.C. private-university cluster and among leading HBCU institutions. The peer set below compares research-focused universities Indian applicants shortlist alongside Howard.
| University | QS World 2027 | Collegedunia Study Abroad | Avg Annual PG Fee | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howard University | #1001-1200 | #304 of 824 | USD 34,600 (INR 30.1 lakh) | Top HBCU, DC federal corridor access |
| George Washington University | #312 (estimated) | NA | USD 36,000 (INR 31.3 lakh) | International affairs and policy focus |
| American University | #801-850 (estimated) | NA | USD 34,000 (INR 29.6 lakh) | Public policy and communication depth |
| Georgetown University | #274 (estimated) | NA | USD 65,000 (INR 56.6 lakh) | Higher global brand, Jesuit heritage |
Howard University offers the strongest combination of R1 research classification, HBCU legacy and Washington, D.C. federal-employer proximity at a fee point below Georgetown University. Its #86 US News National standing places it in the top third of US private research universities.
Howard University suits Indian applicants seeking a mid-priced private US research university with strong DC-area career networks and 36-month OPT pathways in STEM. Total two-year investment for an MS runs USD 88,000 to USD 118,000 (INR 76.6 lakh to INR 102.7 lakh) against a market median starting salary of USD 72,000 (INR 62.6 lakh), delivering a payback horizon in line with peer DC universities and improved by the MS in USA STEM OPT extension.
The university may not suit applicants requiring a top-100 QS World rank or targeting West Coast tech-hub proximity. Indian applicants with those priorities can consider Northeastern University or George Washington University as realistic alternatives with comparable OPT access.
Howard University FAQs
Ques. What English tests does Howard University accept for Indian applicants?
Ans. Howard University accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic and Duolingo English Test scores from international applicants. Minimum thresholds vary by programme and school, so applicants should verify exact minimums on the specific programme’s admission page. For most graduate programmes, TOEFL iBT scores of 80 or IELTS 6.5 are commonly required. Waivers may apply for applicants from English-medium instruction backgrounds with school-issued certification.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time at Howard University during studies?
Ans. Yes, Indian students on F-1 visas can work part-time up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during official breaks. On-campus employment starts from the first semester without additional authorisation. Off-campus work through Curricular Practical Training becomes available after completing one academic year. STEM graduates access up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training post-graduation.
Ques. Does Howard University waive GRE for MS Computer Science admission?
Ans. Howard University has moved several graduate programmes to test-optional status, and GRE waivers may apply to MS Computer Science depending on the academic year. Applicants with strong undergraduate GPAs of 3.5 or higher on the 4.0 scale or relevant industry experience often qualify for waivers. Confirm the current GRE policy directly on the MS Computer Science programme page before applying.
Ques. How long does OPT last for Howard STEM graduates?
Ans. STEM graduates from Howard University qualify for a 36-month Optional Practical Training work extension in the United States. This comprises an initial 12-month OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension for eligible F-1 visa holders. STEM designation covers most Howard University MS programmes including Computer Science, Data Science and Engineering. Non-STEM graduates receive the standard 12-month OPT window post-graduation.
Ques. Which Indian banks fund education loans for Howard University tuition?
Ans. Major Indian public and private banks including SBI, HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda and Avanse fund Howard University tuition. Howard University regional accreditation and I-20 issuance make it eligible for both collateral-backed and unsecured education loans up to INR 1.5 crore. Non-banking financiers such as Prodigy Finance and MPower also lend without Indian collateral for select graduate programmes.
Ques. Is a portfolio required for MS Data Science at Howard?
Ans. MS Data Science at Howard University does not require a formal portfolio, unlike design or creative programmes. Applicants submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation and English test scores. GitHub repositories or Kaggle profiles strengthen applications but remain optional. Programming coursework in Python, R or SQL from the undergraduate degree helps establish technical readiness for the programme.
Ques. What documents does Howard University need for transcript verification?
Ans. Howard University requires official transcripts sent directly from the issuing Indian institution or through a credential evaluation service such as WES or ECE. Applicants must submit course-by-course evaluation reports for graduate programmes to convert the Indian CGPA or percentage into the US 4.0 GPA scale. Sealed transcripts, mark sheets and degree certificates translated into English are mandatory for the file.
Ques. How does Howard University assess Indian Class 12 marks for admission?
Ans. Howard University assesses Indian Class 12 marks through the CBSE, ICSE or State Board percentage on the mark sheet. Competitive undergraduate admission typically expects Class 12 scores above 75% overall, with stronger scores above 85% improving merit scholarship chances. Applicants still in Class 12 submit predicted scores; an English medium-of-instruction certificate can support a TOEFL or IELTS waiver request.
Howard University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MBA 2 years | USD 39,410 /Yr | 93 | IELTS- 6.5 | ||
M.C.S 1 year | Final Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Nov 2026) Early Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Nov 2026) | USD 39,608 /Yr | 123 | GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90 |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Find A Program
Top Recommended Courses
Master of Computer Science [M.C.S]
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
Howard University comparison
| University Name | Howard University | Yale University | Delaware State University | Princeton University | Harvard University | Hampton University |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 8.1 Out of 10 | - Out of 10 | 8.3 Out of 10 | 10 Out of 10 | - Out of 10 |
| Overall Ranking |
|
| - |
|
|
|
| Subject Strength |
|
| - |
|
| - |
| Programs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Acceptance Rate | 0.0 % | 4.6 % | 59.0 % | 5.0 % | 3.0 % | 48.3 % |
| Exam Score | - | - | ||||
| Cost to Study |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
Do you think the data is wrong ? Report Here
Overall 304 out of 824 in Global Ranking
Overall 1001 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
Howard University Reviews
1 Reviews Found
Likes
- The research that is being conducted in the field of condensed matter physics here.
- The professors are good. The Campus is good and the facilities are also good. Howard University has a diverse student body, with students from various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds which fosters a rich and inclusive learning environment. Research opportunities are also ample as the university is involved in a wide range of research initiatives.
Dislikes
- It takes a long time to get certain things done from the administration. As it's not an exclusive campus there's concern for the security of the students. A lot of violence keeps happening around the campus.
Overview
The ambiance here is good. Professors are supportive. So if you put in the required amount of hardwork then you'll be set for life.
Campus Life
The campus life is good. All the necessary things are provided like internet, libraries etc. The infrastructure is awesome. There are a lot of extracurricular activities going on but currently I'm not involved in any of those.
Howard University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
Howard University Admissions
Application Portal: https://applyhu.howard.edu/apply/
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake Deadlines
Important Date: November15 (Application deadline)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Howard University Accreditations
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments
Found 1 Comment
The university does not offer full-time scholarships for international students like you. However, 96% of the students get qualified to receive some financial aid. The eligibility for merit-based awards is determined based on your SAT/ ACT scores/ high school GPAs that are entered into the university’s system by the Office of Admissions. The scholarship deadlines and award amounts may vary.