Howard University is a private, historically Black research university located in the heart of Washington, D.C. check out this site Founded in 1867, it stands as one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning and the only historically Black college or university (HBCU) to hold the Carnegie R1 designation for “very high research spending and doctorate production”. With a mission rooted in “Excellence in Truth and Service,” Howard has educated generations of leaders who have shaped American history, culture, and democracy.

A Legacy of Leadership and Access

Howard was founded on March 2, 1867, by Civil War hero General Oliver O. Howard, just two years after the end of the Civil War. From its earliest days, the university was dedicated to educating students from diverse backgrounds, particularly African Americans who had been denied access to higher education. Today, Howard enrolls more than 14,500 students across 14 schools and colleges, offering 143 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

The university’s commitment to access is reflected in its student body: more than 40% of Howard students are Pell Grant-eligible, and over 70% receive some form of need-based aid. In a significant move to preserve affordability, Howard announced a tuition freeze for the 2026-2027 academic year, ensuring that undergraduate, graduate, and professional tuition and mandatory fees remain unchanged.

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

Howard’s academic reputation is firmly established. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Howard placed No. 86 among National Universities and ranked in the top 12 nationally for social mobility. The university is ranked No. 1 among HBCUs by Forbes in its inaugural “America’s Top HBCUs” list, and LinkedIn also ranks Howard No. 1 among HBCUs for career success.

The university’s academic programs have earned significant recognition:

  • School of Law — Ranked No. 13 nationally for law schools with the most graduates at leading law firms and No. 1 for African Americans by preLaw magazine
  • College of Medicine — Internationally regarded for training physicians who serve medically underserved communities and is a national leader in studying health disparities
  • Business, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, and Psychology — Ranked No. 1 among HBCUs by U.S. News & World Report
  • Social Work, Business, and Communications — Nationally ranked programs

A Research Powerhouse

Howard’s designation as an R1 research university places it among the nation’s top research institutions and makes it the only HBCU to achieve this classification. In Fiscal Year 2023, visit this website Howard recorded nearly $85 million in research expenditures and awarded 96 research doctorates, exceeding the R1 base criteria.

Howard produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. The National Science Foundation has ranked Howard as the top producer of African-American undergraduates who later earn science and engineering doctoral degrees.

The university’s research enterprise includes several distinctive centers and initiatives:

  • Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy — One of only 15 University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) in the United States and the first at an HBCU, funded by the U.S. Air Force with a $90 million contract ceiling over five years
  • Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease — The first center in the nation devoted to the disease
  • Howard University Cancer Center — The only cancer center at an HBCU providing a full range of treatment services and training oncology professionals
  • Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (MSRC) — The nation’s largest and most comprehensive repository of books, documents, and ephemera on the global Black experience
  • Center for African Studies — The only comprehensive National Resource Center (NRC) at an HBCU, designated by the U.S. Department of Education

The Mecca: A Unique Campus Culture

Howard’s campus, spanning 256 acres in northwest Washington, D.C., is affectionately known as “The Mecca”. The main campus is home to the iconic Founders Library, the Armour J. Blackburn University Center, and the historic Cramton Auditorium. The university’s location in the nation’s capital provides students with unparalleled access to internships, policy work, and cultural opportunities.

Howard’s culture is deeply rooted in its motto, “Veritas et Utilitas” (Truth and Service). Students dedicate hundreds of thousands of hours annually to service in nearby LeDroit Park, around the nation, and throughout the world. Over the Peace Corps’ 50-year history, more than 200 Howard graduates have served as volunteers—the highest number among historically Black colleges.

The university’s campus life includes a vibrant Greek system, numerous student organizations, and traditions like Homecoming, which draws alumni and visitors from around the globe. Howard’s marching band, the “Showtime” Marching Band, is renowned for its dynamic performances and has been featured in national events.

Cost and Financial Aid

Howard is committed to making education accessible. For the 2026-2027 academic year, tuition remains frozen with no increase. The university’s tuition is below the national average for private universities, according to U.S. News & World Report.

While specific tuition figures are available through the university’s official fee schedule, Howard’s commitment to access is demonstrated through substantial financial aid. The university prioritizes need-based aid, and the Office of Financial Aid carefully reviews change-in-circumstance appeals. However, the university has noted that its capacity to offer additional support beyond established aid programs is limited, emphasizing the importance of charitable giving from alumni and partners to sustain aid programs.

Notable Alumni: Architects of Change

Howard’s alumni network is unparalleled in its impact on American society. The university has produced:

  • Kamala Harris (Class of 1986) — Vice President of the United States, who refers to her time at Howard as her “formative years”
  • Thurgood Marshall (Class of 1933) — The first African American Supreme Court Justice and architect of the legal strategy that dismantled segregation
  • Toni Morrison (Class of 1953) — Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and one of the most influential writers of the 20th century
  • Chadwick Boseman (Class of 2000) — Award-winning actor and producer who portrayed Black icons including Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall
  • Elijah Cummings (Class of 1973) — U.S. Representative and civil rights advocate who fought tirelessly for voting rights
  • David Dinkins (Class of 1950) — The first African American Mayor of New York City
  • Zora Neale Hurston (Class of 1920) — Author and anthropologist, a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance
  • Taraji P. Henson (Class of 1995) — Actress and mental health advocate
  • Phylicia Rashad (Class of 1970) — Tony Award-winning actress and Dean Emerita of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts

Howard also boasts 3 Schwarzman Scholars, 4 Marshall Scholars, 4 Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows, and more than 165 Fulbright recipients.

A Continuing Legacy of Impact

Howard University’s influence extends far beyond its campus. The university has awarded more than 120,000 degrees and certificates. It ranks among the highest producers of the nation’s Black professionals in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, nursing, architecture, religion, law, music, social work, and education.

The university’s commitment to excellence is evident in its improving graduation rates, which are currently at 70% and rising, with goals to exceed 80-90%. Howard’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures that students receive personal attention from a faculty of 1,554, including scholars who are leaders in their fields.

As Howard continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission. As Interim President Wayne A. I. Frederick stated, “Our greatest measure of success remains our commitment to excellence in fulfilling our enduring mission of ‘Truth and Service.’ That commitment is reflected in the academic experience we provide, the scholarship and research of our faculty, the success of our students and graduates, Full Article and the extraordinary impact Howard continues to have on our nation and the world”.