Prairie View vs Howard U

Prairie View A&M University and Howard University, both esteemed Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), offer unique educational experiences. Prairie View A&M, located in Prairie View, Texas, boasts a higher acceptance rate (68%) compared to Howard University's (38%) in Washington, D.C. While Howard University enrolls more students (9,969) than Prairie View A&M (9,348), both universities share a rich legacy of academic excellence. Explore the comparison table to delve into further details, including popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which institution best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Howard University	Prairie View A & M University
Overview
Location	Washington, District of Columbia	Prairie View, Texas
Campus setting	City: Large	Town: Distant
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%	75.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	35.2%	77.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1080 - 1290	840 - 1050
ACT range	21 - 26	18 - 20
Students submitting SAT score	26.0%	65.0%
Students submitting ACT score	10.0%	29.0%
Total number of applicants	29,396	6,753
Total number of admissions given out	10,362	5,200
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,768	1,811
Yield rate	26.7%	34.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$48,214	In state: $24,849 Out of state: $40,424
Average net price	$26,870	$14,927
Tuition	$28,450	In state: $7,387 Out of state: $22,590
Room & board	$14,678	Room/dormitory: $6,130 Meal plan: $2,969
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	99.0% Average amount $22,380	92.0% Average amount $13,391
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $4,811	67.0% Average amount $5,195
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $16,655	3.0% Average amount $16,925

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,964 Men 28.0% Women 72.0%	8,444 Men 32.1% Women 67.9%
Graduate students	3,101 Men 32.8% Women 67.2%	956 Men 37.1% Women 62.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	98.6%	N/A
International students	4.1%	2.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	5,719	4,808
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	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Social Sciences Communication and Journalism	Business Health Professions Engineering Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	63.6%	41.6%
Dropout rate	11.3%	26.5%
Transferred out	23.4%	27.3%
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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,341 Year 2: $90,049 Year 3: $100,710 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,240 Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $82,296 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,439 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $78,974 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,171 Year 2: $72,891 Year 3: $76,074 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,650 Year 2: $69,757 Year 3: $73,106 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,804 Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $71,448 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,982 Year 2: $54,109 Year 3: $66,754 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,156 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $57,553 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,531 Year 2: $53,984 Year 3: $55,574 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,438 Year 2: $46,478 Year 3: $54,487

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location between Prairie View A&M University and Howard University?

Prairie View A&M University is located in Prairie View, Texas, a more rural setting approximately 50 miles northwest of Houston. Howard University is situated in Washington, D.C., providing students with access to a major metropolitan area and the nation's capital.
How do the student populations compare at Prairie View A&M and Howard University?

Both universities are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), but they differ in size. Howard University generally has a larger and more diverse student body than Prairie View A&M. Prairie View A&M has a significant student population, but Howard's is typically larger, reflecting its location in a major city and its national prominence.
What are the academic strengths of Prairie View A&M University?

Prairie View A&M University is particularly strong in engineering, architecture, nursing, and agriculture. It also has a strong focus on STEM fields and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its commitment to providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
What are the academic strengths of Howard University?

Howard University is renowned for its programs in law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and the arts. It has a strong reputation across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields. Howard is known for its rigorous academic environment and its contributions to research and scholarship.
How does the cost of attendance compare between Prairie View A&M and Howard University?

Generally, the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is lower at Prairie View A&M University compared to Howard University. However, financial aid packages can significantly impact the net cost for both institutions. It's recommended to check the specific tuition and fee schedules and explore financial aid options for both universities to determine the most affordable choice for your situation.
What is the campus culture like at Prairie View A&M University?

Prairie View A&M University fosters a strong sense of community and tradition. The campus culture is known for its friendly atmosphere, school spirit, and emphasis on student involvement. The university has a rich history and a strong alumni network, contributing to a supportive and engaging environment.
What is the campus culture like at Howard University?

Howard University has a vibrant and politically active campus culture. It is known for its intellectual atmosphere, its focus on social justice, and its strong sense of Black identity and pride. The university offers a wide array of student organizations, cultural events, and opportunities for civic engagement.
What are the career opportunities like for graduates of Prairie View A&M University?

Prairie View A&M graduates have access to a wide range of career opportunities, particularly in engineering, architecture, nursing, and agriculture, given the university's strengths in these areas. The university's location near Houston provides access to numerous internships and job opportunities in various industries. The strong alumni network also provides valuable career support.
What are the career opportunities like for graduates of Howard University?

Howard University graduates have access to a broad spectrum of career opportunities, particularly in law, medicine, and the arts, given the university's strong programs in these fields. The university's location in Washington, D.C., provides access to government agencies, non-profit organizations, and a wide range of professional opportunities. Howard's graduates are highly sought after by employers across various sectors.
How does the research environment differ between Prairie View A&M and Howard University?

Both universities are engaged in research, but Howard University generally has a larger research budget and a more extensive research infrastructure, reflecting its status as a major research institution. Prairie View A&M is also increasing its research capacity, particularly in areas aligned with its academic strengths. Both universities provide research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
What are the housing options like at Prairie View A&M and Howard University?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. Prairie View A&M has a variety of residence halls and apartments. Howard University also provides a range of housing options, including traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's important to check the specific details on each university's website.
How do the extracurricular activities compare at Prairie View A&M and Howard University?

Both universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, Greek life, and athletic programs. Howard University, due to its larger student body and location in a major city, may offer a slightly broader range of options. Prairie View A&M also has a vibrant extracurricular scene, with a strong emphasis on campus traditions and community involvement.
Which university is better for students interested in a more rural environment?

Prairie View A&M University is located in a more rural setting, making it a better choice for students who prefer a less urban environment. Howard University is located in a major city, Washington, D.C., which offers a more urban experience.
Which university is better for students interested in political science or government?

Howard University, located in Washington, D.C., offers unparalleled access to government agencies, political organizations, and internships, making it an excellent choice for students interested in political science or government. While Prairie View A&M also offers political science programs, Howard's location provides a significant advantage.
How do the athletic programs compare at Prairie View A&M and Howard University?

Both universities have competitive athletic programs. Prairie View A&M competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), while Howard University also competes in the SWAC. Both universities have a strong tradition of athletic excellence, particularly in football and basketball. The level of competition and the specific sports offered are comparable.

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