Howard University, Washington, D.C
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ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867, Howard University stands as a hub of knowledge and purpose, a private research institution situated in the heart of Washington, D.C. Just two miles from the U.S. Capitol, Howard’s campus proudly sits atop a scenic hilltop.
Howard has 13 schools and colleges. Students can choose from over 120 areas of study. The University of Howard offers a wide range of programs and degrees from undergraduate to graduate and professional levels. So far, the university has awarded 120,000 degrees to its learners. Graduates lead in law, science, medicine, the arts, and public service.
Howard is strong in STEM. The National Science Foundation ranks it high. Howard University leads the nation in empowering African American scholars. It produces more undergraduates who go on to earn science and engineering doctorates than any other institution.
The College of Medicine and Howard University Hospital are key to medical learning. Howard’s law school made history. It trained Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice.
Howard’s influence doesn’t stop at the classroom door, it echoes across airwaves and into American media history. It launched WHUT-TV, the very first public television station in the U.S. owned by African Americans, giving voice to stories long left untold.
Howard made rules for the radio’s future through his research at the WHUR-FM station. It is becoming one of the first stations to broadcast in high definition and changing how millions experience sound.
The school also manages a 108-acre research site in Beltsville, Maryland. Howard’s location adds to its appeal. It’s near the U Street corridor, a place rich in history and culture. Students often intern at the Capitol, federal offices, and international groups.
Howard alumni include big names. Nobel Prize author Toni Morrison studied here. So did Senator Edward Brooke and psychologist Kenneth Clark. “Veritas et Utilitas”, Truth and Service, is the motto of Howard University. It stands for knowledge with purpose.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW
| Control | Private Institution |
| Entity | Non-profit |
| Size | Medium-sized (approx. 10,000 students) |
| Selectivity | Very selective (only competitive admissions) |
University Identity
| Name | Howard University |
| Acronym | HU |
| Founded | 1867 |
| Motto | Veritas et Utilitas (Truth and Service) |
| Colors | Blue & White |
| Location | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
Howard University Key Statistics
| Percentage of International Students | 4.8% (1) |
| Number of students per staff member | 12:1 (1) |
| Females to Males | 67:33 (1) |
| Number of FTE Students | ~10,199 (1) |
| Proportion of ISR Publication | Publicly not listed |
| Median Salary after 10 years | $72,000 (2) |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,000 (2) |
| Out-of-state Tuition and Fees | ~$33,344 (2) |
Note! (1) Based on 2023 university reports. (2) Estimated from national education data and rankings.
Popular Major at Howard University
| Subjects Thought at Howard University |
|---|
| Arts and Humanities |
| Architecture |
| Art History |
| English |
| Fashion Design |
| History |
| Interior Design |
| Philosophy |
| Fine Arts (Acting, Ceramics, Dance, Design, etc.) |
| Music (Education & Performance) |
| Business and Management |
| Accounting |
| International Business |
| Management |
| Actuarial Science |
| Engineering and Technology |
| Chemical Engineering |
| Civil Engineering |
| Computer Engineering |
| Computer Science |
| Electrical Engineering |
| Information Systems |
| Life Sciences and Medicine |
| Biology |
| Psychology |
| Natural Sciences |
| Chemistry |
| Mathematics (Applied, Pure, Education) |
| Physics (Applied, Professional) |
Howard University Students & Staff
| Total Students | UG Students | PG Students |
|---|---|---|
| 11,995 | 77% | 23% |
| International Students | UG Students | PG Students |
|---|---|---|
| 590 | 71% | 29% |
| Total Faculty Staff | Domestic Staff | International Staff |
|---|---|---|
| 1,245 | 100% | 0% |
Howard University Tuition Fee & Scholarships
Tuition & Fees:
| Category | Cost (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | $33,344 |
| Graduate Tuition | $34,920 |
| Room & Board | $16,000 – $18,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 |
| Technology Fee | $500 |
| Health Insurance | $2,500 |
Scholarship:
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition + $5,000 stipend |
| Merit-Based Scholarships | $5,000 – $25,000/year |
| Need-Based Financial Aid | Up to $20,000/year |
| HU STEM Scholars Program | $15,000/year |
| Alumni Legacy Award | $5,000/year |
| Howard Opportunity Grant | $2,000 – $10,000/year |
| International Student Scholarship | $10,000/year |
University Rankings & Ratings
Howard University, located in Washington, D.C., United States, is a globally renowned private research university and a leading institution for African American scholarship.
| QS World University Rankings | 1001-1200 |
|---|---|
| QS WUR Ranking By Subject | Top 300 |
| QS Sustainability Ranking | 1121-1140 |
Related: List of 200 Best Universities in the World
Howard University QS World University Rankings Overview
| Ranking Year | U.S. News HBCU Ranking |
|---|---|
| 2012 | #3 |
| 2014 | #2 |
| 2015 | #2 |
| 2016 | #2 |
| 2017 | #2 |
| 2018 | #2 |
| 2019 | #2 |
| 2020 | #2 |
| 2021 | #2 |
| 2022 | #2 |
| 2023 | #2 |
| 2024 | #2 |
University Ranking and Rating Criteria
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Academic Reputation | 7.0 |
| Citations per Faculty | 3.0 |
| Employment Outcomes | 18.8 |
| Employer Reputation | 9.2 |
| Faculty Student Ratio | 38.9 |
| International Faculty Ratio | 1.1 |
| International Research Network | 31.9 |
| International Student Ratio | 4.1 |
| Sustainability | 1.1 |
Howard Students Activities
| Student Activities | 45+ |
| Sports Teams | 25 |
| Fraternities | 20 |
| Sororities | 20 |
Ethnic Diversity At Howard University
| Demographic Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Minority Enrollment | 86% |
| Black/African American | 71% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 7% |
| Two or More Races | 5% |
| Asian | 3% |
| International Students | 5% |
| Unknown/Unreported | 8% |
Campus Life At Howard
Housing & Dorms
- Coed dorms
- Women’s dorms (e.g., Bethune Annex)
- Men’s dorms (e.g., Drew Hall)
- Apartment-style housing (e.g., Plaza Towers)
- Special-interest housing (Honors, STEM, Arts)
Dining
- 5 dining halls
- 3 food courts
- 24-hour Starbucks in the Armour J. Blackburn Center
- Flexible meal plans
Campus Features
- Founders Library
- Olympic-size swimming pool
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Free shuttle service to Metro stations
Student Activities
- The Bisonettes
- HU Debate Union
- Wall Street Prep Club
- Showtime Marching Band
Arts & Culture
- Gallery of Art
- Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel
- Howard Theatre
Admission Requirements
| Admission Criteria | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate GPA | 3.0+ |
| SAT | 1150+ |
| ACT | 24+ |
| TOEFL (International) | 80+ iBT |
| IELTS (International) | 6.5+ |
| Graduate GPA (Master’s) | 3.0+ |
| GMAT (Business) | 500+ |
| GRE (General) | 300+ |
FAQs
What GPA is required for Howard University?
A 3.65 GPA is required to get admission to Howard University.
Is Howard University considered Ivy League?
This university is recognized as a Black Ivy League institution. This is a title given to the most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities. Howard ranked as the second most distinguished institution in the U.S.
How is Howard University ranked?
Howard University is one of the top historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This university is nationally recognized for its academic excellence across STEM, law, and the arts.
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