Howard University

Overview

Acronyms: HU

Founded: 1867

Control Type: Private

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #1312

Rank in United States: #186

Motto: Veritas et Utilitas

Colours: Red, white and blue

Mascot: Bison

Established in 1867, the Howard University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Washington (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), District of Columbia.

Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Howard University (HU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Howard University (HU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 156-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 30-39% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

HU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Howard University's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.

Academic Details

These figures give a quick read on Howard University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.

Academic Structures

Howard University's internal academic organisation — faculties, schools, and constituent units — is broken down below. Each unit handles a specific subject cluster and houses its own programmes and faculty.

Programs Offered

Howard University's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.

How to apply to Howard University

Application guidance for Howard University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.

1. 1
   Find a programme that fits your goals

   Howard University's catalogue includes 134 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

2. 2
   Confirm you meet the requirements

   Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Howard University's admissions process.

3. 3
   Assemble your application package

   Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

4. 4
   Submit your application

   Submit your completed application through Howard University's official website at howard.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

5. 5
   Contact admissions and follow up

   Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (202) 806 6100. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Howard University

Common questions about Howard University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

A quick benchmark: here are the top-ranked universities in the United States. Useful for understanding how Howard University compares against the national reference points in higher education, and what alternatives exist if reach institutions are part of your strategy.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Tuition reciprocity exists in some National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) networks, where members charge in-network rates for student exchanges. Worth checking specific bilateral terms within the broader membership.

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg · Public · Rank #21

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Industry placements and co-op programmes around Howard University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.

George Washington University

Washington · Private · Rank #318

Georgetown University

Washington · Private · Rank #356

The Catholic University of America

Washington · Private · Rank #1363

American University

Washington · Private · Rank #1930

BA

Bay Atlantic University

Washington · Rank #3767

Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies

Programme-level scholarships for Social & Cultural Studies students vary substantially across the United States institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.

Adler University

Chicago · Private · Rank #32

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

Universities Often Compared with Howard University

Comparable peer metrics — selectivity, yield, faculty awards — give a fuller picture than headline rankings alone. The universities below cluster around Howard University on most of these signals.

North Dakota State University

Fargo · Public · Rank #1320

Old Dominion University

Norfolk · Public · Rank #1297

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw · Public · Rank #1338

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

LaFayette · Public · Rank #1339

Xavier University of Louisiana

New Orleans · Private · Rank #1342