Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for college · Washington, DC
How students pay for Howard University
Sticker price $58,032 a year. After grants, the average student pays $33,002, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $28,262 to $41,046.
- 41%admitted
- 10,108undergraduates
- 74%graduate
- 99%get a grant from the school
What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid. Tap your bracket.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
99%grant from Howard Universityavg $18,977
44%Federal Pell Grantavg $5,546
2%state grantavg $1,046
62%federal student loanavg $5,268
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · Washington, DC
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)
Up to $3,750 a year at a private HBCU or private DC-area college; more at public universities nationwide (from 2026–27)
Who qualifies: DC residents for at least 12 months before starting college, enrolled at least half-time.
How: Apply through the DC OneApp each year and file the FAFSA. The 2026–27 deadline was 21 August 2026.
Official rules →From the school
Howard University grants and scholarships
99% of first-years get one · average $18,977
Most need-based aid comes automatically with your FAFSA. Merit and departmental scholarships often have their own deadlines.
Howard University financial aid office →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in Washington
| Studio | $2,970/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $3,100/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $1,715/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 20059. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$18.40/hour minimum wage in Washington, DC
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $8,280 before tax. That covers about 5 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: since 1 July 2026; adjusted for inflation every July. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$23,750median federal debt≈ $270/month over 10 years
$69,682median earnings10 years after enrolling
74%graduate within 6 yearsfirst-time students
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for Howard University
How much does Howard University really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $33,002 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $28,262 to $41,046. The full cost of attendance before aid is $58,032.
Does Howard University give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 99% of first-year students received a grant from Howard University itself, averaging $18,977. 44% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $5,546).
How much is rent near Howard University?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (20059) is $3,100 a month for a one-bedroom and $3,430 for a two-bedroom, about $1,715 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at Howard University?
Yes. The minimum wage in Washington, DC is $18.40 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $8,280 before tax.
How much debt do Howard University graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $23,750, about $270 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $69,682.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with Howard University. How these pages work.
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