Head-to-head · 2026
Howard University vs University of the District of Columbia
Compare average net price ($50,539 at Howard University; $10,648 at University of the District of Columbia), ROI score (3.12 vs 10.39), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($63,066 vs $44,236), and admissions context (41.3% at Howard University; Open / not reported at University of the District of Columbia) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Howard University | University of the District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 3.12 | 10.39 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $50,539 | $10,648 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $202,156 | $42,592 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $35,810 | $5,662 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $35,810 | $12,514 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $63,066 ✓ | $44,236 |
| Acceptance rate | 41.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 70% ✓ | 33.2% |
| Retention rate | 90.9% ✓ | 67.6% |
| Median debt | $24,500 ✓ | $24,872 |
| Enrollment | 10,108 | 3,351 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1213 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Howard University | University of the District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $46,051 | $10,268 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $47,477 | $10,399 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $50,245 | $10,557 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $52,981 | $16,312 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $54,270 | — |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Howard University | University of the District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Law | 7.7% | 8.6% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 3.6% | 12% |
| Biology, General | 5.9% | 4.8% |
| Political Science and Government | 6% | 4.1% |
| Computer Science | 2.8% | 4.9% |
| Psychology, General | 4.6% | 2% |
| Social Work | 3.3% | 1.6% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 1.9% | 2.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of the District of Columbia reports the lower average net price by $39,891 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $159,564 difference over four years ($42,592 vs $202,156).
Howard University reports $18,830 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($63,066 vs $44,236). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 90.9% at Howard University and 67.6% at University of the District of Columbia. Median federal debt among completers is $24,500 vs $24,872, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
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Frequently asked
Howard University vs University of the District of Columbia, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of the District of Columbia is cheaper — average net price $10,648 per year vs $50,539 at Howard University. The annual difference of $39,891 adds up to about $159,564 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Howard University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $63,066 vs $44,236 at University of the District of Columbia. The gap in the federal data is $18,830. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.