So, you’re thinking about making the jump to The Mecca. Honestly, there is nothing quite like the energy on the Yard, but getting there through the transfer process isn't exactly a walk in the park. It’s a bit more than just hitting "send" on a Common App and hoping for the best. Howard University has a very specific set of expectations that can trip you up if you aren't paying attention to the fine print.
Howard University Transfer Requirements Explained (Simply)
Basically, if you’ve already finished at least 15 transferable credit hours at another accredited college after high school, you’re officially a transfer applicant. If you have fewer than 15, Howard usually wants you to apply as a first-year student instead.
Here is the "must-have" list for your application to even be looked at:
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- A grade of C or better in both a college-level English and a college-level Math course.
- A non-refundable $45 application fee (and no, they really don't do waivers for transfer fees).
Now, don't let that 2.5 GPA floor fool you. Howard is competitive. While the minimum is 2.5, recent data shows the average admitted transfer student is often rocking a 3.75 GPA. If you’re eyeing the School of Business, you’ve gotta be even more on your game; they specifically want to see that C or better in Applied Calculus or Calculus I.
The Paperwork You Can't Skip
You have to use the Common Application. There’s no way around that. But the real headache for most people is the transcript situation. You need to provide official transcripts from every single post-secondary institution you’ve ever touched. Even if you only took one summer class at a community college, Howard needs the official record sent directly to the Common App Centralized Transcript Service.
They won't even glance at unofficial transcripts or screenshots of your student portal.
You also need a letter of recommendation. This has to come from a professor or an academic advisor. You can't just have your boss or your cool aunt write it. It needs to be submitted through the Common App portal by the recommender themselves.
The 60-Credit Wall and Other Quirks
One thing that surprises a lot of people is that Howard will only accept a maximum of 60 transferable credit hours. If you’ve spent three years at another school and earned 90 credits, 30 of those are basically disappearing into the ether when it comes to your degree progress at Howard.
Also, Howard has a "residency requirement." This means your final 30 credit hours must be completed at Howard to get that diploma. You can’t transfer in for your very last semester and expect a Howard degree.
Credits That Actually Count
Not every class is going to make the cut. To transfer, a course must be:
- From a regionally accredited institution.
- Comparable in "content, academic level, and scope" to Howard’s own offerings.
- Passed with a grade of C or higher.
If you’re coming in with AP or IB credits from high school, those don't count toward your 15-credit transfer minimum, but they might still give you advanced standing once you're in. Just make sure the official scores come straight from the College Board or the IB organization.
Deadlines You Need to Circle in Red
Missing a deadline at Howard is a recipe for waiting another year. For the 2026 cycle, keep these dates in your head:
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- Spring 2026 Entry: The application typically needs to be wrapped up by November 1st of the previous year.
- Fall 2026 Entry: The priority deadline is usually March 1, 2026.
If you’re applying for specialized programs like Art, Theatre Arts, or Music, there are extra hoops. For example, Studio Art majors have to submit a slide portfolio of 12-15 images via SlideRoom. Architecture students need to send a portfolio directly to the School of Architecture and Design.
Money and Scholarships: The Hard Truth
Let’s be real—Howard is expensive. Financial aid for transfers is a different beast than it is for freshmen. While freshmen get the "HUFS" (Howard University Freshman Scholarships) automatically considered, transfer scholarship funding is "limited and may change every year."
Basically, don't assume you'll get a merit scholarship just because you had one at your old school. You absolutely must file your FAFSA as early as possible. If you’re an international transfer, you’ll need to fill out the ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Application) by the March 1st priority date to even be in the running for institutional aid.
What Really Happens with the "BisonHub"
Once you apply, you’ll eventually get access to BisonHub (their student information system). This is where the magic—and sometimes the frustration—happens. You’ll use this to track your documents and, hopefully, see that "Admitted" status.
One thing people get wrong: transfer grades don't follow you. If you had a 4.0 at your old school, your Howard GPA starts fresh at 0.0. Only the credits transfer, not the grades. This is a double-edged sword. It’s a clean slate, but it also means you have to work hard from day one at Howard to build a strong GPA for grad school or jobs later.
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Actionable Next Steps
If you’re serious about this, don't wait until the week before the deadline. Start by reaching out to your current registrar to see how quickly they send official electronic transcripts via Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse.
Next, download the transfer checklist from the Howard Admissions site to make sure your specific major doesn't have a hidden requirement, like the portfolio or audition.
Finally, get that one professor who actually knows your name to agree to write your recommendation letter now. Recommenders are notorious for taking forever, and your application isn't "complete" until their letter is in the system.