Howard at a Glance

Howard University is one of the nation's leading research universities with a legacy of impact on culture and intellectualism.

Howard University is one of the nation's leading research universities with a legacy of shaping culture, scholarship, and intellectual life. 

The University is dedicated to educating students from diverse backgrounds at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Guided by our extraordinary cadre of faculty, students are immersed in cutting-edge scholarship and innovation including nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, human genome research, atmospheric science, as well as the social sciences, arts, and humanities. 

Founding

Howard was founded on March 2, 1867, by Civil War hero General Oliver O. Howard.  The Main Campus encompasses 256 acres across the District of Columbia and Maryland and is located in Northwest Washington, D.C. Dedicated campuses for the School of Law, School of Divinity, and Howard's research facilities are located nearby. In all, more than 120,000 degrees and certificates have been awarded. 

Howard University Gate

Achievements and Accolades

Howard University is the leading producer of African American students

  • The only HBCU classified as a top Carnegie-designated research institution. 
  • Among the nation's top colleges for access and high graduate earnings, according to Opportunity Colleges and Universities: High Access and High Earnings. 
  • No. 88 best colleges in national universities, U.S. News & World Report 2025. 
  • Top 17 in the nation for social mobility and no. 1 in the Washington, D.C. area. 

No. 1 HBCU programs

  • Howard was named the nation's No. 1 HBCU by LinkedIn for the second consecutive year. 
  • Howard University tops Forbes' inaugural ranking of America's Top Private HBCUs. 
  • Howard ranked as the no. 1 HBCU for graduate programs in criminal law, constitutional law, dispute resolution, intellectual property law, health care law, trial advocacy law, economics, English, fine arts, history, political science and speech pathology, according to U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2024. 
  • Howard ranked as the no. 1 HBCU for undergraduate programs in business, computer science, economics, engineering and psychology, according to U.S. News & World Report Graduate schools in 2025. 

No. 13 in law schools

  • Howard University School of Law placed no. 13 in law schools with the most graduates at leading law firms, surpassing other institutions with stellar reputations. 

Highest number of black communications graduates

  • Most Black bachelor's degree graduates in communications and journalism. 

Interim President

As a dedicated and conscientious steward of the institution’s resources, the occupant of the presidency must elevate this historically Black college and university to new heights of relevance, impact and service to our local, national and global communities. 

Dr. Wayne Frederick is the 17th and current interim president of Howard University. 


 

Learn More
Wayne Frederick headshot photo
Medical student

Academic Programs

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. The University offers Master’s Doctoral Professional Joint-Degree and Undergraduate programs.
Students graduating

Accreditation

Howard University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and its programs in specialized fields are accredited by numerous professional agencies.
Football game

Athletics

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and National Collegiate Athletic Conference; 19 Division I sports.
A teacher writing on a white board.

Faculty

1,554 Full-time and Adjunct faculty.
A young woman using a laptop.

Enrollment

Howard's enrollment has approximately 14,500 undergraduate, graduate and professional students representing 49 U.S. states, the District of Columbia as well as 61 countries.
A closeup of a man wearing a volunteer shirt.

Impact and Service to Community

Howard's motto,Veritas et Utilitas, or Truth and Service, is woven throughout its academic, student, faculty and research programs. Students, faculty and staff are actively involved in community, local, national and global service efforts to create awareness and provide solutions to help improve the quality of life in many communities. 
A group of doctors in a medical setting.

Howard University Hospital

Over the course of its 160+ year history of providing the finest primary, secondary and tertiary health care services, Howard University Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center, has become one of the most comprehensive health care facilities in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Consortium

Student Organizations

Over 200 registered student organizations.
A television show set seen from the director's chair.

Television

Founded in 1980, Howard University Television, WHUT-TV, was the first African-American-owned public television station in the nation. It is also the only university-licensed public television station located in the metropolitan Washington viewing area, which includes more than three million households.
A microphone and headphones.

Radio

The University’s commercial radio station, WHUR-FM, has been broadcasting from more than 50 years and is a leading station in the Washington metropolitan area. It is also the first and only station in the area to broadcast high-definition radio. 

Celebrating over 30 years on air, WHBC, Howard University’s student operated radio station, is a major media outlet for the student body. WHBC Channel 51 has the campus’ ear and is a part of the Howard student collegiate lifestyle.