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HBCU Profile

Howard University (HU)

Washington, District of Columbia Private Bachelor's Doctorate Master's Professional

Howard University is a private research HBCU in Washington, D.C., known for academic excellence, leadership, professional education, and a powerful legacy of public service.

At a Glance

Founded
1867
Enrollment
9,800
School Type
Private
Institution Type
4-Year
Degree Types
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate, Professional
Mascot
Bison
Colors
Blue, Red, Gray
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I FCS
Conference
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Region
Mid-Atlantic
FAFSA Code
001448
Affiliation
None

Overview

Howard University is a private historically Black research university located in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1867, Howard is recognized for academic excellence, professional education, research, civic engagement, and a tradition of producing leaders across law, medicine, business, education, media, public service, and the arts.

The university’s location in the nation’s capital gives students access to major institutions, internships, advocacy networks, cultural resources, and career pathways connected to national and global impact.

Why This HBCU Stands Out

Howard stands out for its research profile, professional schools, national leadership legacy, and location in Washington, D.C., where students can connect classroom learning to public service, culture, policy, and innovation.

Academics

Colleges & Schools

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Business
  • College of Engineering and Architecture
  • School of Communications
  • College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
  • College of Pharmacy
  • School of Education
  • School of Law
  • College of Medicine
  • Graduate School

Popular Majors

BiologyPolitical SciencePsychologyCommunicationsBusinessComputer ScienceHealth SciencesNursingFinanceMarketing

Majors by Category

  • Business: Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, International Business
  • STEM: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics
  • Health Sciences: Nursing, Allied Health, Pre-Medicine, Pharmacy pathways
  • Communications: Journalism, Media, Strategic Communication, Film and Television
  • Social Sciences: Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Criminology
  • Humanities: English, History, Philosophy, World Languages

Unique Programs

  • School of Law
  • College of Medicine
  • School of Communications
  • Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
  • Washington, D.C. public service and policy ecosystem
  • Research and professional school pathways

Online Programs

  • Howard Online and continuing education options
  • Online and hybrid graduate offerings may vary by program

Honors Programs

  • Honors Program

Admissions & Financial Aid

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$37,996
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,996
Room & Board
$18,982
Application Fee
$45
Estimated Total Cost
$64,142

Student Life & Athletics

Howard offers a dynamic student experience shaped by Bison pride, campus organizations, activism, arts, entrepreneurship, athletics, Greek life, and the cultural opportunities of Washington, D.C.

Student Organizations

Student Government Association Academic and professional organizations Cultural and identity-based organizations Service and advocacy organizations Media and arts organizations Greek-letter organizations

Greek Life

Howard has a historic Greek-letter tradition with active fraternity and sorority life connected to leadership, service, scholarship, and alumni networks.

Campus Traditions

  • Homecoming
  • Yardfest
  • Bison pride traditions
  • Charter Day
  • Greek-letter campus traditions
  • Washington, D.C. service and advocacy experiences

Marching Band: Showtime Marching Band

Sports

  • Football
  • Men’s Basketball
  • Women’s Basketball
  • Men’s Soccer
  • Women’s Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Track & Field
  • Cross Country
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Lacrosse
  • Softball

Visit Athletics Site →

History & Legacy

Howard University was founded in 1867 and named for General Oliver Otis Howard. From its earliest years, it became a major center for Black education, professional training, civil rights leadership, and intellectual life.

Founding Legacy

Howard’s founding legacy is rooted in education, freedom, truth, service, and preparing students to lead in professions that shape communities and institutions.

Notable Milestones

  • 1867 – Howard University was founded
  • 1869 – Howard University School of Law was established
  • 1920s–1960s – Howard became a center for Black intellectual, artistic, and civil rights leadership
  • 1970s onward – Expanded research, professional education, and global alumni influence

Notable Alumni

  • Thurgood Marshall
  • Kamala Harris
  • Toni Morrison
  • Chadwick Boseman
  • Phylicia Rashad
  • Taraji P. Henson
  • Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • Andrew Young

Location

2400 Sixth Street NW