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), 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. Howard University has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. University of the District of Columbia leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Howard University | University of the District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 3.12 | 10.39 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $50,539 | $10,648 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $63,066 ✓ | $44,236 |
| Acceptance rate | 41.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 70% ✓ | 33.2% |
| Median debt | $24,500 ✓ | $24,872 |
| Enrollment | 10,108 | 3,351 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1213 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Howard University costs $39,891 more per year than University of the District of Columbia ($50,539 vs $10,648). Howard University graduates report $18,830 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,066 vs $44,236). On EduGradify's model that puts University of the District of Columbia ahead on projected ROI (10.39 vs 3.12, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of the District of Columbia) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Howard University reports 41.3% acceptance; University of the District of Columbia does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Howard University vs University of the District of Columbia, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Howard University or University of the District of Columbia the better value?
University of the District of Columbia has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.39 vs 3.12), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
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 median earnings ten years after entry: $63,066 vs $44,236 at University of the District of Columbia. The annual gap in the federal data is $18,830.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Howard University reports a D value grade; University of the District of Columbia reports B.