Howard University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Howard University costs about $133,376 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $47,379 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 10.8 years (20-year ROI: 86%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$133,376
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$12,379/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
10.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
86%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Howard University's in-state tuition is $33,344. One year after graduation, alumni earn $41,194, which increases to $47,379 after five years, and $63,066 after ten years. The median debt for students is $24,500. A majority of students, 57.1%, receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio, comparing median debt to one-year earnings, is approximately 0.6. This suggests that the median debt is about 60% of the average graduate's first-year salary.
Based on the provided data, a simple calculation of the break-even point, comparing tuition to the one-year earnings, would be less than one year. However, this does not account for living expenses, interest on debt, or other factors.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$33,344
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$47,379
Graduation Rate
69%
Receive Financial Aid
57%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Law | $83,812 | 632% |
| Biology, General | $41,949 | 4% |
| Medicine | $89,077 | 711% |
| Political Science and Government | $53,976 | 185% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $0 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $44,942 | 49% |
| Social Work | $68,564 | 403% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $115,343 | 1105% |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $44,692 | 45% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $81,023 | 590% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $79,113 | 561% |
| International Business | $0 | N/A |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $103,418 | 926% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $0 | N/A |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $63,914 | 334% |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $34,772 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $48,062 | 96% |
| Computer Systems Analysis | $86,521 | 673% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.