Est. Earnings (1yr)
$50,740
Est. from national median (31 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,500
Est. from national median (19 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 suggests a manageable financial picture for this business program, though both the earnings and debt figures here are estimates drawn from peer institutions rather than Howard's actual graduate outcomes. Based on national medians for similar programs, first-year earnings around $50,740 would match typical business degree performance—not exceptional, but solid enough that estimated debt of $26,500 could be paid down without crushing financial pressure.

What's harder to assess without Howard-specific data is whether this HBCU's unique network and recruiting advantages translate into better-than-typical outcomes for its business graduates. The school's 35% admission rate and reasonably strong student profile suggest selectivity that could correlate with stronger employer connections, particularly in government and private sector roles concentrated in DC. However, the four-year earnings figure of $50,890—barely higher than the estimated first-year number—raises questions about early salary progression that similar business programs typically show.

For families weighing this investment, the uncertainty cuts both ways. Howard's alumni network and DC location might well produce outcomes that exceed these peer-based estimates, but you're making that bet without concrete proof. If your student has other business program offers with reported data showing stronger trajectories, those merit serious consideration for the transparency alone.

Where Howard University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business, management, marketing, bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Howard University—$50,890—
Elon University$60,719$92,616+53%
Worcester Polytechnic Institute$72,850$89,485+23%
Bentley University$70,365$89,440+27%
New York University$41,421$78,522+90%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Howard UniversityWashington$33,344$50,740*$50,890$26,500*—
University of Minnesota-CrookstonCrookston$13,120$82,115*—$29,062*0.35
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester$16,450$80,842*—$15,697*0.19
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$73,382*$78,432$27,000*0.37
Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester$59,070$72,850*$89,485$26,500*0.36
Bentley UniversityWaltham$58,150$70,365*$89,440$26,000*0.37
National Median—$50,740*—$26,000*0.51
* Estimated from similar programs
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Howard University, approximately 41% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.