Howard U vs University of Georgia (UGA)

Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C., and the University of Georgia, a public research university in Athens, Georgia, offer distinct educational experiences. Howard boasts a lower acceptance rate (34%) compared to Georgia's (49%), indicating a more selective admissions process. While both universities offer a diverse range of majors, Howard excels in fields like communications, nursing, and social work, while Georgia is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and agriculture. Howard's student body is predominantly African American (83%), while Georgia's is predominantly white (61%). In terms of graduation rates, Georgia has a slightly higher four-year graduation rate (68%) compared to Howard's (63%). Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Howard University logo

Howard University

University of Georgia logo

University of Georgia

Overview

Location Washington, District of Columbia Athens, Georgia
Campus setting City: Large City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 91.0% 95.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 35.2% 40.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $45

Graduate: $75
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $75
SAT range 1080 - 1290 1270 - 1450
ACT range 21 - 26 29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score 26.0% 45.0%
Students submitting ACT score 10.0% 40.0%
Total number of applicants 29,396 39,229
Total number of admissions given out 10,362 15,685
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,768 5,819
Yield rate 26.7% 37.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $48,214
In state: $26,622

Out of state: $45,662
Average net price $26,870 $16,902
Tuition $28,450
In state: $9,790

Out of state: $28,830
Room & board $14,678
Room/dormitory: $6,292

Meal plan: $4,036
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

99.0%
Average amount $22,380
92.0%
Average amount $11,045
Students receiving federal student loan 47.0%
Average amount $4,811
25.0%
Average amount $5,227
Students taking out private loans 3.0%
Average amount $16,655
3.0%
Average amount $13,477

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 8,964
Men 28.0% Women 72.0%
30,166
Men 42.0% Women 58.0%
Graduate students 3,101
Men 32.8% Women 67.2%
9,952
Men 38.2% Women 61.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 98.6% 17.5%
International students 4.1% 4.8%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 5,719 10,050
First year students are required to live on campus? Yes No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Maryland New York Georgia New Jersey Texas Georgia Texas North Carolina Florida New York

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Business
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Engineering
Students to faculty ratio 13:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 63.6% 87.8%
Dropout rate 11.3% 3.6%
Transferred out 23.4% 7.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $139,816
  • Year 3: $169,939
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,631
  • Year 2: $121,694
  • Year 3: $126,945
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $121,256
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,115
  • Year 2: $100,571
  • Year 3: $111,407
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $106,768
  • Year 2: $100,038
  • Year 3: $108,698
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,747
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $98,585
Computer Systems Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $82,440
  • Year 3: $95,339
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,153
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $91,628
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $85,098
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,889
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $74,462
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $107,603
  • Year 2: $120,325
  • Year 3: $122,859
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,544
  • Year 2: $111,283
  • Year 3: $122,491
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $122,038
  • Year 3: $117,307
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,726
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $92,754
Marketing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,513
  • Year 2: $81,333
  • Year 3: $91,218
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,059
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $85,532
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,138
  • Year 2: $68,778
  • Year 3: $79,772
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,908
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $79,190
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,622
  • Year 2: $64,068
  • Year 3: $78,529
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $79,002
  • Year 2: $77,144
  • Year 3: $77,709

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences between Howard University and the University of Georgia?

    Howard University is a historically Black university (HBCU) located in Washington, D.C., with a strong emphasis on serving the African American community and offering a diverse range of programs. The University of Georgia (UGA), a public land-grant university in Athens, Georgia, is a large, comprehensive institution with a broad student body and a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Key differences lie in their missions, student demographics, campus culture, and location.

  • How do the student demographics compare between Howard and UGA?

    Howard University primarily serves African American students, although it is open to students of all races and ethnicities. UGA has a more diverse student body overall, but the percentage of African American students is significantly lower than at Howard. If you're looking for a predominantly Black academic environment, Howard is the clear choice.

  • What is the campus culture like at Howard University versus the University of Georgia?

    Howard University boasts a vibrant and culturally rich campus environment deeply rooted in Black history and tradition. It's known for its strong sense of community, activism, and focus on social justice. UGA offers a more traditional large-university experience with a strong emphasis on school spirit, Greek life, and SEC athletics. The campus culture at UGA is more diverse in terms of student interests and activities, but less centered on a specific cultural identity.

  • How do the academic programs at Howard and UGA compare?

    Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. Howard is particularly well-regarded for its programs in law, medicine, communications, and the arts. UGA is known for its strong programs in business, journalism, agriculture, and environmental sciences. Consider your specific academic interests when making your decision, and research the specific departments and faculty at each institution.

  • What are the tuition and fees like at Howard University compared to the University of Georgia?

    Tuition and fees vary depending on residency and program of study. Generally, Howard University's tuition is higher than UGA's tuition for in-state Georgia residents. However, out-of-state tuition at UGA can be comparable to or even higher than Howard's tuition. Be sure to check the most up-to-date tuition rates on each university's website and factor in the cost of living in Washington, D.C. versus Athens, Georgia.

  • What is the location like for each university? How does Washington, D.C. compare to Athens, Georgia?

    Howard University is located in Washington, D.C., a major metropolitan area with numerous cultural attractions, internship opportunities, and career prospects in government, non-profits, and various industries. Athens, Georgia, is a smaller college town known for its music scene, vibrant downtown area, and proximity to Atlanta. The location you prefer depends on whether you thrive in a bustling urban environment or a more relaxed college town setting.

  • What are the admission requirements for Howard University and the University of Georgia?

    Both universities have competitive admission requirements. UGA generally requires higher standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) and a higher GPA than Howard University. However, Howard places a greater emphasis on holistic review, considering factors such as essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. Research the specific admission requirements for your intended program of study at each university.

  • What kind of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at Howard and UGA?

    Both universities offer a range of financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and student loans. Howard University has specific scholarships targeted towards African American students and those pursuing careers in public service. UGA offers the HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships to eligible Georgia residents. Explore the financial aid websites of both universities to determine which institution offers the best financial package for your individual circumstances.

  • How does campus housing compare between Howard University and the University of Georgia?

    Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional dormitories, suite-style apartments, and residential colleges. UGA has a larger and more diverse range of housing options due to its larger student population. Howard's housing is more focused on creating a close-knit community within the residence halls. Consider your preferences for living arrangements and social interaction when evaluating the housing options at each university.

  • What are the career services and alumni networks like at Howard and UGA?

    Both universities offer career services to help students with internships, job placement, and career counseling. Howard University has a strong alumni network, particularly within the African American professional community. UGA also has a large and active alumni network, especially within the state of Georgia and the Southeast. The strength of each alumni network can be beneficial depending on your career goals and geographic preferences.

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