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Naman Arora Study Abroad Course Specialist
Study Abroad Course Specialist
Howard University is a private historically Black research university in Washington, D.C., located in the Washington metropolitan area. Admissions are moderately selective, with Howard’s acceptance rate at around 35%. It is a mid-sized institution with about 7,000 undergraduates. Some popular programs at Howard include Biology, Political Science, Communications, Psychology, and Business Administration. Howard’s six-year graduation rate is approximately 64%, and alumni report median earnings of about INR 52,00,000 or $62,500 a decade after graduation.
Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, within the Boston metropolitan area. It has very competitive admissions, with Harvard’s acceptance rate at around 3.4%. It is a medium-sized school with about 7,240 undergraduates. Some popular fields at Harvard are Economics, Computer Science, Political Science, History, and Biology. Harvard’s six-year graduation rate is around 98%, and alumni report median earnings of about INR 1,02,00,000 or $123,900 a decade after graduation.
| Howard University | Harvard University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 10 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1001 QS World University 2026 # 1001 QS World University 2025 # 1263 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 5 QS World University 2026 # 5 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 136 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 551 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 127 for Law by US News 2025 | # 1 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 6 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 2 for Medicine by Collegedunia.com 2026 |
| Programs | UG Programs -29 PG Programs -21 | UG Programs -40 PG Programs -53 Doctorate Programs -9 |
| Acceptance Rate | 0.0 % | 3.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 TOEFL-90 | GMAT-620 GRE-300 IELTS-7 SAT-1470 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 28256 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 32155 [For PG Program] | Average Tuition Fees 86926 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 71030 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 32724 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are below: BBA: $104,000 Bachelor of Science: $90,000 Bachelor of Arts: $61,000 | Harvard University is one of the top private universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #5 in QS World University Rankings 2023 and ranked #1 in US UNI.
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| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit essays Submit letters of recommendation Submit test scores Submit English language requirements | Teacher Evaluation forms (as additional LORs); Sample of academic work, potfolio, music recordings, art work, etc (supplementary documents); IELTS/TOEFL; Standardized test scores |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.0/10 Read 1 reviews | 7.2/10 Read 6 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 151 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 40 for Business by Bloomberg 2024 # 63 for Business by US News 2024 | # 1 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 6 for Business by US News 2025 # 7 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9 | Duolingo - 145/160GMAT - 740/800GRE - 326/340IELTS - 7.5/9PTE - 75/90TOEFL - 109/120 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jun 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) | Sep 3, 2025 (Round 1 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake) Dec 10, 2025 (Round 1 Decision Date for Fall 2026 Intake) Jan 5, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake) Mar 25, 2026 (Round 2 Decision Date for Fall 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Howard University | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1867 | 1636 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | :1 | 7:1 |
| Male:Female | 29% Male, 0% Female | 52% Male, 48% Female |
| Location Facts | The 256-acre (1.04 km2; 0.400 sq mi) campus, often referred to as "The Mecca", is in northwest Washington, D. C. | Harvard Yard: Campus’s historic hub, Harvard Square: Campus’s personal hagout destination with restaurants, cafe, bookstores, theater, shops. Well connected to the local neighborhood of Boston by public transport, the campus traverses the Charles River to near by Allston. |
| Library | University has two libraries: Founders library and the law library. Both the libraries provide wide range of resources like journals, databases, publications etc. | Largest academic library in the world. 20.4 million volumes, 400 million manuscript items, 180,000 serial titles. The library offers various grants and fellowships for both students and faculty. |
| Campus Life | There are over 200 student organizations and special interest groups established on campus. Howard University is the founding site of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and five of the nine NPHC organizations. Howard Homecoming week is the most prominent and richest cultural tradition of the institution.Over 100,000 of alumni, students, celebrity guests, and visitors are in attendance to patronize the many events and attractions affiliated with the festive week on and near campus. Springfest is an annual tradition created by the Undergraduate Student Association (UGSA) to celebrate the arrival of spring. Springfest is similar to homecoming week in the fall but on a smaller scale and with more emphasis on the student body. Springfest events traditionally include the Fashion Show, Talent Show, Vendor Fair, Poetry Showcase, Beauty Conference, Charity Basketball Game, and a major community service event. The schedule of events changes slightly each year. The Bison Ball and Excellence Awards is an annual black tie gala hosted by the Howard University Student Association (HUSA). A select number of students, faculty, organizations, and administrators from the Howard community are honored for their exceptional accomplishments. This event takes place near the end of every spring semester. Resfest week is a Howard tradition that involves freshmen living in residence halls on campus competing in several organized competitions (field day, academic debate, dance, stroll, step-show, etc.) for campus bragging rights. This event takes place on campus near the end of every spring semester. | Students from over 50 states and 80 countries are offered assistance by over 400 official student organization. The campus has its own museum, radio station, magazine and newspaper. Along with student clubs for Aikikai, archery, dance, theatre/drama, music, etc, campus also offers cultural & racial initiatives, asian student centric-projects, etc. Varsity sports, crimson pride and various atheletic teams. |
| Hostel | - | #Medium Single - $10719 #Large Single - $13644 #Standard Single - $8361 |
| Famous Alumni | Ben Ali, co-founder and owner of Ben's Chili Bowl, a landmark restaurant in Washington, D.C. David Bullock, American tech entrepreneur and media executive David Castain, American entrepreneur and philanthropist. Left a life of crime to found a marketing agency and study towards a doctorate H. Naylor Fitzhugh, one of the first African-American graduates of Harvard Business School; credited with creating the concept of target marketing Cathy Hughes, founder and executive of TV One, Radio One Vernon Jordan attorney; senior managing director; Lazard Freres & Co. LLC; former president, National Urban League | Eight US Presidents, 62 living billionaires, 242 Marshall Scholars, 359 Rhodes scholars. Barak Obama (ex-president of USA), Michelle Obama (Former First Lady of USA), Mark Zuckerberg, Natalie Portman (Actress), Bill Gates, Conan O’ Brien (comedian writer), Al Gore (Winner-Peace Prize), Matt Damon (Actor), Helen Keller, Subramaniam Swami (Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha) |
| City Life | The Washington, D.C., metro area has the perks of a large urban area. It's serviced by an extensive public transit system and is home to plenty of restaurants, performance venues, museums, public parks and other cultural sites. Meanwhile, each neighborhood in the district and its surrounding towns has its own atmosphere. Residents gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks and converse at coffee shops, creating an ambiance similar to that of a much smaller community. D.C. metro area residents don't want for things to do. The district is home to numerous cultural attractions, including several Smithsonian museums, theaters and year-round markets. The area also encompasses a blossoming restaurant scene that will please any foodie, and plenty of nightlife venues, from the trendy bars along the U Street Corridor to concerts at The Anthem on the wharf and the famous 9:30 Club. Living in the district is expensive. The median home sale price is significantly higher than the national median. | Cambridge- city in Massachusetts; home to a huge student community; city offers a great nightlife with gastropubs, live music, and cocktail bars. Boston’s cosmopolitan excitement is bus-ride away. Average salaries offered within the state are up to 97,5000 USD; Famous tourist attractions: Charles River, Harvard Square, Mount Auburn Cemetery, MIT Museum, CambrdgeSide, John Harvard Statue, Sanders Theatre; Unemployment rate- 3.2% |
| Weather |
Howard University vs Harvard University
Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)
Howard University is a historically Black university (HBCU) that ranks around #1005 in U.S. News Best Global Universities, approximately 801–1000 in Times Higher Education World Rankings, and 1001–1200 in QS World University Rankings 2026. It is particularly strong in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Medicine, and the Arts, reflecting its historical role in promoting African American leadership and culture. Harvard University, on the other hand, is one of the world’s top-ranked institutions. It ranks 1st in U.S. News Best Global Universities (2025–26), 5th in QS World University Rankings 2026, 3rd in THE World University Rankings 2025, and 1st in THE World Reputation Rankings 2025. Harvard shines across various fields, especially in Law, Medicine, Business, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences. It often has several programs in the global top 5. While Howard is recognized for its cultural and social impact, Harvard leads in global academic reputation and interdisciplinary research.
General Information
Howard University, established in 1867, is located in Washington, D.C., and enrolls over 12,000 students, with a balanced mix of undergraduate and graduate programs. It has been seen as the top institution for African American education, providing students with academic training and access to a rich cultural, political, and social environment in the nation’s capital. Harvard University, founded in 1636, is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has more than 21,000 students. Harvard is famous for its elite House system, extensive research facilities, and its closeness to Boston’s academic and innovation scene. Princeton University is often mentioned alongside Harvard for undergraduate-focused research, but Harvard offers top-quality undergraduate education matched with outstanding professional and graduate programs.
Acceptance Rate & Admission
Howard University has a moderate acceptance rate of about 35%. It values academic success, leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to its tradition of service. Harvard University is extremely selective, with an acceptance rate of roughly 3.5%. It requires strong academic records, including SAT scores over 1500 or ACT scores between 34 and 35, along with impressive extracurricular and leadership accomplishments. While Howard focuses on access, leadership, and social impact, Harvard emphasizes global academic excellence and highly competitive admissions.
Research Impact & Facilities
Howard University excels in areas important to social equity and African American communities, including medicine, law, education, and the arts. Its research benefits from Howard University Hospital and specialized centers that tackle health disparities and policy issues. In contrast, Harvard University is a global leader in life sciences, medicine, law, business, and social sciences. It features world-class research facilities such as Harvard Medical School, Widener Library, and a network of advanced laboratories associated with teaching hospitals. Harvard leads in large-scale, interdisciplinary, and globally funded research, while Howard emphasizes nationally important and community-focused research projects.
Cost & Financial Aid
Howard University’s tuition is about $32,000 per year for undergraduates. It offers need-based aid and scholarships, making it more affordable than most private universities. Harvard University charges approximately $57,246 annually but provides extensive financial aid. Families making under $85,000 a year often pay nothing. Princeton University also offers generous aid, but Harvard’s endowment lets it provide some of the best need-based support in the world.
Graduate Studies & Research
Howard University has produced many influential African American leaders in U.S. history, including Thurgood Marshall, Kamala Harris, and Toni Morrison. Its alumni are particularly strong in law, politics, education, arts, and social justice. Median salaries for Howard graduates are about $66,600 ten years after they graduate. Harvard University’s alumni include Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Gates (who attended). Its graduates dominate in law, business, medicine, politics, and global leadership roles, with median salaries around $124,200 a decade after graduation. While Howard’s value lies mainly in cultural, social, and historical impact, Harvard combines this with unmatched global career opportunities and academic prestige.
