Understanding Howard University's Out-of-State Tuition and Costs

Howard University, a prominent private institution located in Washington, DC, attracts students from across the nation and around the globe. For prospective students considering Howard, understanding the nuances of tuition, particularly out-of-state tuition, and the overall cost of attendance is crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these costs, financial aid options, and other related factors to help students and their families plan effectively.

Decoding the Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) at Howard University is an average estimate of what it costs a typical undergraduate student to attend for one academic year. It's important to recognize that your COA estimate doesn't only include tuition; it encompasses a broader range of expenses, including basic living and commuting costs.

Your individual cost of attendance is comprised of two main categories: direct costs and indirect costs.

Direct Costs: What You'll See on Your Bill

Direct costs are those that will appear directly on your university bill. These 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, which is considered full-time enrollment. The following tuition rates will be charged each semester. These rates apply to courses taken for credit and for audit. $72 per semester hour with a base amount of $150. $132 per semester hour with a base amount of $180.
Housing and Meals: This reflects the cost of the most popular meal plan chosen by students who live on campus.

Indirect Costs: Budgeting Beyond the Bill

Indirect costs are those that will not appear on your bill but are estimated expenses associated with attending college. These should be factored into your budget. Indirect costs 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.
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 parents opt to take advantage of the Parent PLUS loan.

Financial Aid: Making Howard Affordable

Financial aid is money used to help students and their families pay for college. It can come from various sources, including the federal government, the state where the student lives, the school itself, or nonprofit and private organizations. Financial aid is designed to cover all educational expenses.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need, which most colleges determine based on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Grants and Scholarships: These are forms of financial aid that do not need to be paid back, making them highly desirable.
Loans: These must be repaid, typically after graduation, and may accrue interest.
Work-Study Jobs: These provide students with the opportunity to earn money to help cover expenses while attending school.

Key Financial Aid Dates

*Application Due: May 1 is the last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.

Understanding Net Price

The average net price to attend Howard University is $30,028 per year. Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. For the most accurate estimate of your net price, it's recommended to use the college’s Net Price calculator.

Special Circumstances and Reduced Tuition

Howard University offers reduced tuition rates and exemptions for certain categories of students:

Read also: UW-Madison Tuition Requirements

Senior Citizens: If space is available at the close of regular registration, students age 65 and older may enroll for up to six hours of courses each semester without payment of tuition. All fees will be charged. If space is available at the close of regular registration, students age 65 and older may audit any course(s) at no charge. This exemption will only be honored upon request in person. Registration must be completed on site each registration period.
Inmates at Correctional Facilities: Certain costs are reduced for inmates at correctional facilities enrolled in academic transfer courses. The base tuition for inmates at correctional facilities enrolled in credit-bearing college courses is $50 for in-district, $100 for out-of-district, and $140 for non-resident students.
Contracted Classes: Tuition, fees, and/or other costs may be reduced or waived by the college President or designee for students enrolled in classes contracted through a private or public business entity.
Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Students: Certain costs are reduced for high school students enrolled in dual credit or dual enrollment courses. Tuition for dual credit workforce continuing education courses is based on the number of contact hours in a course.
Summer Tuition Reduction: The tuition rate for the summer immediately following a student’s graduation from high school is reduced: Hourly tuition is $48 for in-district, $55 for out-of-district and for non-resident. Fixed Fees are waived.
Continuing Education Courses: Tuition for Continuing Education courses is $5.50 per contact hour per course. Building fees are $100 per course and may be waived depending on location/length of course/program.

Additional Costs and Resources

Beyond tuition and fees, students should also be aware of other potential costs and resources available:

Official Transcripts: Official Howard College transcripts are $3.00 per transcript. Official transcript requests will be processed by National Student Clearinghouse.
Library Resources: A button maker is available in the Anthony Hunt Library on the Big Spring campus. It creates 2-1/4 inch buttons. Users will need to have their design printed on plain, thin paper. The library has tools to accurately cut the prints and turn them into buttons. Library staff does not make a user’s buttons for them.
Loan Fees: If a family/student opts to take out a loan, federal fees are associated with doing so.

Residency Requirements

In order to establish in-district residency, a student must have been a resident of Texas for twelve consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment, including six months as a resident in Howard County.

Read also: Westfield State University Legacy

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