Types of Aid

Loans

Federal and non-federal loan programs are available to help students pay for their education.

The Direct Parent PLUS Loan is available to the parent (biological, adoptive, or in some cases stepparent) of a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least halftime in an eligible degree program.

The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is available to graduate or professional students enrolled at least halftime in an eligible degree program. HU will determine the maximum loan amount based on the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student received.

For more information, please visit the Federal PLUS Loan Programs webpage.

Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need.

For more information, please visit the Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans webpage.

Students that are ineligible for Federal Direct Loans or need additional funds beyond their qualification for federal student aid may apply for a private/alternative loan. Please note that a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required in order to apply for an alternative loan but is encouraged to be considered all other aid before applying for a private/alternative loan.

For additional information, please visit the Private Loans webpage.

Grants, Scholarships & Fellowships

Scholarships, grants, and fellowship funds are forms of financial aid you do not have to pay back. 
Grants, scholarships, and fellowship funds come from various programs both inside and outside of the University. These types of aid are available from various organizations such as Senators, Delegates, the federal government, community groups, departments, Howard University, etc.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS (HUFS) are available to incoming First Time in College Students (FTICs). The HUFS award criteria for incoming freshmen may change every year. No internal application is needed. Eligibility for merit-based awards is determined based on students' SAT/ACT scores/high school GPAs that are entered into our system by the Office of Admissions.

For more information about scholarships, please visit the Grants, Scholarships and Other Opportunities webpage.

 

Work Study Programs

The Federal Work Study program provides special opportunities for students to work on-campus with the goal of financially support the student. Off-campus employment information is also available. Work Study is based on financial need; therefore, not all students may qualify. If you are awarded work study, you must accept the award on BisonHub and visit Career Services for job placement. For Work-Study employment information, visit: https://careerservices.howard.edu/.

Tuition Remission

Remission of tuition is awarded by the University to reduce the amount of tuition paid for those who qualify.

Summer Financial Aid

**SUMMER 2025 REGISTRATION BEGINS April 1, 2025**
 
If contacting our office to inquire about summer awarding, please note the following:

  • You must have a valid 2024-2025 FAFSA on file.
  • You must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for federal loans and Pell grant.
  • Students who are Pell grant eligible will receive awards automatically.
  • Summer courses will NOT count towards your HUFS requirements.
  • All students with any remaining loan eligibility in 2024-2025 will need to complete a loan adjustment form at Federal Direct Loan Adjustment Form.

While limited, there are several options Howard University provides students for summer aid. Information, requirements and deadlines are available.

See our Aid Opportunities page for a full list of all financial aid opportunity related forms, applications, and worksheets.