George Washington University vs Howard University
Howard University is very selective with a 34.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than George Washington University (43.5%). Graduates of George Washington University earn $27,807 more per year at the 10-year mark ($90,873 vs $63,066). For families earning $48k–$75k, George Washington University is more affordable at $22,080 net price vs $50,245. Students at George Washington University graduate with less debt ($20,449 vs $24,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
George Washington University has a higher yield rate (21.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. George Washington University has a higher median SAT (1430 vs 1200).
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), George Washington University is more affordable at $17,440 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $55,337 vs $54,270.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Howard University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (41%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
George Washington University
- 1 Systems Engineering$74,576
- 2 Civil Engineering$74,307
- 3 Computer and Information Sciences, General$73,949
- 4 Computer Science$73,446
- 5 Finance and Financial Management Services$72,214
Howard University
- 1 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions$91,744
- 2 Chemical Engineering$84,653
- 3 Computer Systems Analysis$82,440
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$80,041
- 5 Management Information Systems and Services$70,456
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
George Washington University
- 1 International Relations and National Security Studies
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 5 Public Health
Howard University
- 1 Biology, General
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- 5 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
George Washington University
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$58,550
- Est. total cost/year$73,351
- School typePublic
Howard University
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$26,464
- Est. total cost/year$44,090
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into George Washington University or Howard University?
Howard University is more selective with a 34.9% acceptance rate, compared to 43.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: George Washington University or Howard University?
George Washington University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $90,873 compared to $63,066. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: George Washington University or Howard University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), George Washington University has a lower net price at $22,080 per year vs $50,245. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at George Washington University vs Howard University?
George Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 84.5%, compared to 69.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: George Washington University or Howard University?
George Washington University has a larger international student population at 14% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at George Washington University and Howard University?
At George Washington University, Systems Engineering graduates earn a median of $74,576 within two years. At Howard University, the top-earning major is Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at $91,744. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.