Understanding Howard University MSW Tuition and Fees
For prospective students considering a Master of Social Work (MSW) at Howard University, understanding the costs involved is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with the program, along with available financial aid and work-study opportunities.
Cost of Attendance: Direct and Indirect Expenses
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an average estimate of what it costs a typical undergraduate student to attend Howard University for one academic year. Your cost of attendance estimate doesn't only include tuition. It also takes basic living and commuting expenses into account. Your cost of attendance is made up of two different types of costs: Direct Costs and Indirect Costs.
Direct Costs: These are items that will appear on your University bill, such as tuition, fees, and room and board (if you live on campus). This is the cost of a Howard University education. Costs that appear on your bill from Howard University include:
- Tuition and Fees: These figures reflect the cost of tuition and fees for a student taking 12-18 credits during each of the fall and spring semesters of the respective academic year (which is considered full-time). Howard University's tuition is $38,936. Compared with the national average cost of tuition of $46,950, Howard University is cheaper.
- Housing and Meals: The number reflected here is the cost of the most popular meal plan chosen by students who live on campus. A significant factor to consider when evaluating the cost of attending Howard University is the room and board charges. The university ranks in the top 20% for these expenses, with a total cost of 15,580 USD per academic year. This figure is comprised of a typical room charge of 10,262 USD, placing Howard University in the top 15% for this cost, and a typical board charge of 5,318 USD, which is in the top 50% of institutions. Howard University provides on-campus housing, with a total dormitory capacity of 5,230, and first-time degree-seeking students are required to live on campus.
Indirect Costs: These are items that will not appear on your bill, but are estimated costs associated with going to college and should be included in your budget. These include items like books, transportation and personal/miscellaneous expenses. Costs that do NOT appear on your bill from Howard University include:
- Books and Supplies: This is an estimate of the cost of books and supplies for a typical student for the entire academic year. You will not be billed directly by Howard University for books or supplies. You can purchase these items at the Campus Store. The supply cost assumes that students do not have a computer, and allows for a student to purchase a personal computer.
- Transportation: This is an estimate of the cost of traveling to and from campus or the cost of operating and maintaining a vehicle. The cost also assumes 3 round trips bus/plane tickets to and from campus to your family’s home. Unless you buy a Howard University parking permit, you will not be billed directly for transportation costs. This line item will not appear on your bill.
- Personal Expenses: This is an estimate of costs for clothing, haircuts, entertainment, etc. for the year. Money spent on these types of items will vary from student to student. These items will not appear on your Howard University bill.
Detailed Breakdown of Costs
Prospective students considering Howard University should be aware of the various costs associated with attending this institution. The tuition and fees at Howard University amount to 31,050 USD, placing it in the bottom 45% of colleges and universities in terms of cost. In addition to tuition, students should also budget for books and supplies, which are estimated to cost 1,360 USD, placing Howard University in the top 45% for this expense.
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To put these costs into perspective, it is helpful to compare them to the average total annual costs of studying in the United States. Public two-year colleges have an average cost of 15,862 USD, while in-state students at a four-year public college can expect to pay around 25,707 USD. Out-of-state students at a four-year public college face an average cost of 44,014 USD, and private non-profit four-year colleges have an average total cost of 54,501 USD.
In summary, the total cost of studying for a year at Howard University, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board, is substantial but falls within a reasonable range when compared to other institutions in the United States.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid is money used to help students and their families pay for college. Financial aid can come from the federal government, the state where the student lives, the school the student attends, or a nonprofit or private organization. Financial aid is used to cover all educational expenses.
Howard University offers a variety of financial aid options for its students, including grants. In fact, 100% of students at the university receive financial aid, placing it in the top 30% of institutions in this regard. This assistance is crucial for many students, as 51% of them face indebtedness, which puts Howard University in the top 50% for this metric.
The average amount of financial aid received by students at Howard University varies depending on their level of study. Graduate students can expect to receive an average of 33,860 USD in financial aid, placing the university in the top 30% for this category. Meanwhile, undergraduate students receive an average of 28,450 USD in financial aid, which is in the top 15% of institutions.
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In addition to grants and other financial aid, Howard University also provides military benefits for eligible students. The average amount of military benefits received by graduate students is 16,559 USD, placing the university in the top 25% for this category. Undergraduate students also receive an average of 16,559 USD in military benefits, which puts Howard University in the top 40% of institutions offering such support.
As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Howard University, the total cost is $59,288. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Howard University was $9,388. Additionally, 79% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2023.
Need-based self-help aid includes federal loans and work-study. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $3,393.
Merit-based aid, also called non-need-based aid, is awarded for a specific talent or academic achievement. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Howard University - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $15,018.
Howard University met 21% of its students’ financial aid need. Some students receive enough in scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses. See the types of scholarships and grants available at Howard University below.
Read also: Howard Dental School Tuition for Non-Residents
Work-Study Opportunities
What are the work-study opportunities at Howard University? Howard University provides a variety of work-study, internship, and on-campus employment opportunities for its students. The eligibility for Federal Work Study (FWS) is determined by the Office of Financial Aid, and students who have been awarded FWS as part of their financial aid package can seek assistance from the Center for Career and Professional Success to secure employment. Employers and supervisors involved in the program are required to complete orientation each academic year.
On-campus employment opportunities are also available for students at Howard University. The Office of Undergraduate Studies maintains a webpage dedicated to these opportunities, where students can explore current job openings. The university seeks innovative, student-centered individuals to join a diverse team of career development practitioners. This webpage also provides information on how employers can recruit talent from Howard University.
In addition to on-campus jobs, Howard University offers internships through its Division of Student Affairs, which provides counseling training programs for clinical and counseling psychology students from various universities. These programs include Doctoral Internship, Externship, and Practicum Programs. Information on student employment positions within the Division of Student Affairs can also be found on their webpage.
While the average expected pay for working students at Howard University is not explicitly provided, the pay rate for work-study jobs is at least the current federal minimum wage. However, this rate can be higher depending on the type of work and the skills required.
Student Loan Debt
How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate.
At Howard University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $24,500. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $260.
Additionally, 8% of graduating students at Howard University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $46,930 in private loan debt at graduation. Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class is $56,408. Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024) is 72%.
Average Loan Fees: There is an origination fee of 1.059% for Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans, which is taken out of the loan before funds are sent to Howard University. Some of our parents opt to take advantage of the Parent PLUS loan. If a family/student opts to take out a loan, federal fees are associated with doing so.
Billing and Payment
Billing and payment is handled by the Office of the Bursar. These estimates do not reflect your actual bill as not all components are directly charged by the university. The health insurance opportunity provided by Howard University is not a typical cost of attendance component.
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