Howard University
Washington, United States • Founded 1867 • World Rank #1312
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
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.
Unit 13 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Dentistry
- College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences
- College of Medicine
- College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
- Howard University Graduate School
- John H. Johnson School of Communications
- Middle School of Mathematics and Science
- School of Business
- School of Divinity
- School of Education
- School of Law
- School of Social Work
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.
134 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 49 programmes
Showing 10 of 49.
Master's Degree 40 programmes
Showing 10 of 40.
Doctorate 29 programmes
Showing 10 of 29.
Professional Doctorate 6 programmes
Certificate 1 programme
Postgraduate Certificate 9 programmes
How to apply to Howard University
Application guidance for Howard University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
How old is Howard University?
The institution opened in 1867 (approximately 159 years ago).
What city is Howard University in?
Howard University operates from Washington, United States.
Is Howard University a public or private institution?
Howard University operates as a private institution.
How big is Howard University's student body?
Howard University serves approximately 8,000-8,999 students.
How is Howard University ranked?
It ranks #1312 globally and #186 in United States.
What is Howard University's academic structure?
Howard University has 13 academic units.
Is Howard University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
What is Howard University's official website?
You can find Howard University online at howard.edu.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Universities 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.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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