Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Howard University

For a highly selective HBCU in an expensive city, Howard's electrical engineering program appears positioned to deliver strong value based on what peer institutions typically produce. National benchmarks suggest first-year earnings around $77,710—strong compensation for any bachelor's degree—paired with estimated debt of $26,000, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33. That's a manageable burden: roughly four months of gross salary to repay the full balance.

Engineering salaries typically accelerate after the first year as graduates gain experience and professional licensure, making that initial debt load even more sustainable over time. The 41% Pell grant population suggests Howard is preparing first-generation and lower-income students for a field that offers genuine economic mobility. The program's 35% admission rate and 1205 average SAT indicate competitive standards, which often correlates with employer recognition in technical fields where school reputation matters.

The caveat: these are projections from similar programs nationwide, not Howard's specific graduate outcomes. If you're serious about this path, connect with Howard's engineering alumni directly and ask about their post-graduation trajectories. Engineering programs vary significantly in industry connections, co-op opportunities, and placement support—factors that matter as much as the curriculum itself. The numbers suggest solid fundamentals, but confirming Howard's specific track record turns this from an educated guess into an informed decision.