Howard University: Rankings, Statistics, and Legacy
Founded in 1867, Howard University stands as a prominent, federally chartered historically black research university in Washington, D.C. This comprehensive institution is dedicated to educating students from diverse backgrounds at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Designated as a Doctoral/Research University-Extensive education institution by the Carnegie Foundation of Advancement for Teaching, Howard is the most comprehensive, research-oriented university in the Washington, DC area. The university's historic main campus sits on a hilltop in Northwest Washington, near the U Street and Howard Theatre. Its proximity to Capitol Hill provides students with internship opportunities, while many alumni contribute to shaping national and foreign policy. Howard University specializes in STEM fields and boasts a respected medical college and university hospital. Its law school is also renowned, having produced the first African American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall. The institution's library system contains more than 1.8 million volumes.
Academic Rankings and Recognition
Howard University has consistently received accolades for its academic excellence and commitment to student success.
- National Universities Ranking: In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report ranked Howard University No. 88 in National Universities.
- Best Undergraduate Teaching: U.S. News & World Report also ranked Howard No. 17 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
- Princeton Review's Best Colleges: Howard University has been named by the Princeton Review’s as one of the colleges or universities in its Best Colleges list.
- Top Business School: The School of Business was the first in Washington, DC, to be accredited by the AACSB.
- MBA Program Recognition: For three consecutive years (2003-2006), the Howard MBA Program received top honors. The Wall Street Journal ranked it No. 2 among the best schools for "Hiring Minorities." The Princeton Review has also ranked the program No. 1 for the "Greatest Opportunities for Minority Students" and No. 5 for the "Most Competitive Students."
- Research One Carnegie Categorization: Howard's status as a national leader in research and education is affirmed by its Research One Carnegie categorization.
These rankings reflect Howard's commitment to providing an academically outstanding undergraduate education and preparing students for success in their chosen fields.
Academic Profile and Student Life
Howard University offers a diverse range of academic programs and a vibrant campus life.
- Enrollment: The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 11,519 (fall 2024).
- Student-Faculty Ratio: The student-faculty ratio at Howard University is 13:1.
- Academic Calendar: The university utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
- Campus Size: The campus spans 256 acres (1.04 km2; 0.400 sq mi).
- Degrees Offered: Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. To date, Howard has awarded more than 120,000 degrees in the arts, the sciences, and the humanities. Students pursue studies in more than 130 areas within the University’s 14 schools and colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, Communications, Dentistry, Divinity, Education, Engineering, Architecture & Computer Sciences, Graduate School, Law, Medicine, Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy and Social Work.
Howard's curriculum is supplemented by the Citi Leadership Development Series, which features renowned experts addressing issues such as ethics and social responsibility, decision-making under pressure, and designing a career. Howard's well-rounded students are involved in various student organizations, community activities, and corporate-sponsored programs that include entrepreneurship, marketing, investment, consulting, and supply chain management.
Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard
- Student Body Diversity: Howard’s MBA Program reflects the diversity of the global market within which its alumni will serve. Students hail from many parts of the United States, Canada, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. Their post baccalaureate work experiences range from education, health services, and engineering to marketing, financial services, consulting, and real estate.
Howard students describe themselves as "friendly, outgoing, stylish, and fashionable" and note that they are uniquely socially conscious, something they attribute to the university’s focus on training students to think on a global scale. Students benefit from an "inspiring faculty" that both "pushes you and teaches patience." In addition, professors effectively "bridge the gap between the real world and the textbook," by teaching students how to apply their classroom knowledge to future careers.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Howard University is committed to making education accessible to qualified students.
- Admissions Policy: Howard University accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy.
- Tuition and Fees: The school's tuition and fees are $38,936.
- Financial Aid: Seventy-two percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $45,180.
Graduation Rates and Alumni Success
Howard University has a strong track record of graduating students who go on to achieve success in their careers.
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: The four-year graduation rate is 60%.
- Median Salary: Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $47,379.
Howard alumni are employed in leadership roles throughout the nation and worldwide. Recognized for their superb business acumen, Howard alumni are employed in leadership roles throughout the nation and worldwide. The university has produced a remarkable array of distinguished alumni, including:
- Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice
- Elijah Cummings
- Toni Morrison, Nobel laureate
- Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States
Campus Life and Traditions
Life at Howard moves at a fast pace and these students wouldn't have it any other way. The campus crackles with energy, from the "lively" dorms to the well-attended school events, which are "a major part of the social calendar." In addition, undergrads enjoy taking full advantage of the opportunities available in Washington, D.C. and find the Metro station "very easily accessible." The campus hosts a wide range of engaging events, including cookie decorating competitions, Karaoke Night, Game Night Mixers, and Entrepreneurship Fest (a showdown where students pitch their business ideas to industry experts and potential investors). Additionally, students are encouraged "to be involved in campus organizations and student government," and with hundreds of clubs to choose from, there's something for everyone. Fraternities and sororities are also popular at Howard, although "the main focus of our Greek life is community service."
Read also: Discover the scholarship at Howard University's History Department
Howard University is steeped in tradition, with several annual events that bring the community together:
- Howard Homecoming: Howard Homecoming week is the most prominent and richest cultural tradition of the institution. Over 100,000 of alumni, students, celebrity guests, and visitors are in attendance to patronize the many events and attractions affiliated with the festive week on and near campus. While the specific calendar of events changes from year to year, the traditional homecoming events include the Homecoming Football Game and Tailgate, Pep Rally, Coronation Ball, Greek Step-Show (Howard NPHC Greeks), and Fashion Show.
- Springfest: Springfest is an annual tradition created by the Undergraduate Student Association (UGSA) to celebrate the arrival of spring. Springfest is similar to homecoming week in the fall but on a smaller scale and with more emphasis on the student body. Springfest events traditionally include the Fashion Show, Talent Show, Vendor Fair, Poetry Showcase, Beauty Conference, Charity Basketball Game, and a major community service event.
- The Bison Ball and Excellence Awards: The Bison Ball and Excellence Awards is an annual black tie gala hosted by the Howard University Student Association (HUSA). A select number of students, faculty, organizations, and administrators from the Howard community are honored for their exceptional accomplishments.
- Resfest week: Resfest week is a Howard tradition that involves freshmen living in residence halls on campus competing in several organized competitions (field day, academic debate, dance, stroll, step-show, etc.) for campus bragging rights.
Howard University School of Business
Since 1970, the School of Business has produced more than a 1,000 distinguished MBA’s prepared to meet the challenges of the global business environment. Howard’s professors are acknowledged for contributions within their various disciplines. Each faculty member passes on a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, which students need in order to achieve in today’s global market. Our small class sizes enable students the opportunity to derive benefits gained from an intimate relationship with faculty. One-to-one professional care is Howard’s signature.
Centers and Initiatives
Howard University is home to several research centers and initiatives that contribute to its academic mission:
- The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (MSRC): Recognized as one of the world's largest and most comprehensive repositories for the documentation of the history and culture of people of African descent in Africa, the Americas, and other parts of the world.
- The Beltsville Center for Climate System Observation (BCCSO): A NASA University Research Center at the Beltsville, Maryland campus of Howard University, focusing on climate system observation.
- The Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center's (RBC): Serves as the hub and catalyst for enhancing international engagement for the benefit of the Howard University community.
Read also: Explore Howard County Community College
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