Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

George Washington University vs Howard University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Washington DC · vs · Private nonprofit, Washington DC

The verdict

George Washington University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $146,344 in 3.4 years versus 13.7 years at Howard University, on median earnings of $90,873 vs $63,066 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureGeorge Washington UniversityHoward University
Net price / yr$36,586$50,539
Total net cost$146,344$202,156
Median earnings, 10 yrs$90,873$63,066
Median debt$20,449$24,500
Payback3.4 yrs13.7 yrs
20-year net return$703,916$91,964

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.