
Howard University is a private, historically Black research institution located in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1867, Howard has a strong history of and commitment to the education of Black Americans. The university offers a diverse suite of degrees and programs, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,190 students as of Fall 2023. Howard's vibrant campus life includes over 200 student clubs and organizations, Greek life, athletic teams, and fulfilling service opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Institution | Private |
| Year Founded | 1867 |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Campus Size | 257 acres |
| Student Population | 9,022-10,190 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 7:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 35% (as of Fall 2021) |
| Male Population | 25% (as of 2025) |
| Tuition Fees | $35,810 |
| Number of Clubs | 200+ |
| Number of Varsity Teams | 21 |
| Greek Life | Yes |
| Notable Alumni | Kwame Ture, Dr. Patricia Bath |
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What You'll Learn

Student accommodation and campus improvements
Howard University, a historically Black research institution, offers a diverse suite of degrees and programs to its students. The university has undergone significant campus renovations and improvements over the years, with plans for further development.
Student Accommodation Improvements
Howard University has made notable improvements to its student accommodation facilities. In 2021, the university renovated and reopened the historic Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall. Additionally, over the last five years, the university has renovated 80% of its residence halls, enhancing security and upgrading building systems.
The university has also acquired and converted new properties into student accommodation. For example, Howard University purchased the Howard University Inn, a former hotel, and transformed it into a dormitory for students, complete with a Starbucks and a Barnes & Noble bookstore.
Campus Improvements
Howard University has embarked on a significant $785 million investment plan to accelerate renovations and construct new academic centers. This initiative includes the development of three new state-of-the-art multidisciplinary academic halls, focusing on health sciences, arts and communications, and STEM programs. The historic Myrtilla Miner Building will also undergo renovation to house the School of Education and the Howard University Middle School for Mathematics and Science.
The university's Central Campus Master Plan outlines additional plans for approximately 1,500 new housing units. Furthermore, the C.B. Powell Building, currently mostly unused, will be renovated to establish a new STEM Center, furthering the university's commitment to STEM education and research.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Howard University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and equal access to students with disabilities. The university complies with the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that students with disabilities have the necessary adjustments and access to courses, programs, and activities. The Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) works to identify essential functions and establish standards for courses and programs, evaluating students' needs for accommodations.
Student Life and Traditions
Howard University boasts a vibrant student life with over 200 student organizations and special interest groups. The university's Homecoming week is a rich cultural tradition, attracting over 100,000 attendees with events such as the Homecoming Football Game, Pep Rally, Coronation Ball, and Greek Step-Show. Resfest week is another cherished tradition, where freshmen living in residence halls compete in various competitions for campus bragging rights.
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Student life and opportunities
Student life at Howard University is vibrant and diverse, with numerous opportunities for students to get involved and thrive both intellectually and emotionally. The university is located in Washington, D.C., offering students a strategic advantage with its diverse population, multicultural atmosphere, historic landmarks, and venues for arts and entertainment. The campus spans 257 acres and is home to a close-knit community of Black scholars and approximately 10,000 students.
Howard University offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities with over 200 student organizations, clubs, and special interest groups. Students can join one of the many Greek letter organizations, honour societies, or academic and social groups on campus. These organizations provide opportunities for leadership development, community service, academic support, and personal growth.
Athletics play a significant role in student life, with Howard boasting 21 NCAA Division I varsity teams competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The university's Homecoming week is one of the most popular events, attracting over 100,000 attendees and featuring traditional events such as the Homecoming Football Game, Pep Rally, and Coronation Ball.
Howard University also prioritizes academic excellence and career development. The university offers a diverse suite of degrees and programs, including humanities and scientific disciplines. Students benefit from small class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, ensuring dedicated faculty support. The Office of Career Services assists students in finding internships and preparing for their careers, leveraging the university's connections in both the public and private sectors.
The university also has a strong history and commitment to the education of Black Americans, playing a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. The Bison STEM Scholars Program, established in 2017, aims to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in high-level research careers in STEM fields, offering full scholarships to approximately 30 undergraduate students annually.
Overall, student life at Howard University is rich and transformative, providing students with a sense of community and belonging, as well as numerous opportunities for personal and academic growth.
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Campus safety
Howard University, founded in 1867, is a private, historically Black research institution with a campus size of 257 acres. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,000+ students as of Fall 2023. The University has a semester-based academic calendar and offers a diverse suite of degrees and programs.
Howard University has significantly lower crime rates than the surrounding areas and the city as a whole. The Department of Public Safety at Howard University works in partnership with the University community to enhance the safety and quality of life for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. They achieve this through dynamic best practices of safety, preparedness, and prevention methods to protect and serve the University community.
The Department of Public Safety offers standard and custom training opportunities for campus community members to feel safe and promote safety awareness at Howard. They also patrol campus buildings and facilities on foot and in vehicles, and respond to medical calls, public safety situations, and all emergencies on campus. Additionally, the department collaborates with local law enforcement agencies to effectively respond to emergency situations.
Howard University also has a Mobile Alert System that sends instant notifications of campus closings, delays, emergencies, parking and traffic updates, and other important information to your phone, email, pager, or desktop RSS application.
- Avoid walking alone in dark areas at night or in isolated areas during the day. If you cannot find someone to walk with you, contact the Department of Public Safety or use the red emergency phones.
- If you have to walk alone, walk confidently and with purpose on well-lit walkways. Plan your route ahead of time and avoid isolated areas.
- If someone follows you, is persistent, or becomes obscene, contact the Department of Public Safety or use the red emergency phones.
- If the person is in a car, write down the license number and report it to the Department of Public Safety as soon as possible.
- Try to park in well-lit areas.
- If you are trapped in your car, honk your horn in quick short bursts to attract attention.
- When returning to your car, have your keys ready and check that the door locks are the same as when you left them.
- Do not pick up hitchhikers and do not drink and drive.
- Keep your office, desk, and file cabinets locked when you are away, and never leave your purse or valuables unattended.
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Academic and social Greek life
Howard University, founded in 1867, is a private, historically Black research institution with a vibrant campus life. The university offers a diverse suite of degrees and programs, with a dynamic campus life that includes diverse student organizations, events, and growth opportunities.
Howard University has many academic and social Greek letter organizations on campus. Greek letter organizations are a positive way to form lifelong friendships, build a dynamic network, and engage in leadership experiences. They provide students with academic support, opportunities to engage in community service projects, and promote personal growth and development. Howard is the founding site of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and five of the nine NPHC organizations. Additionally, Howard is one of four HBCUs with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest academic honor society in the US.
Howard Homecoming week is the most prominent and richest cultural tradition of the institution. Over 100,000 alumni, students, celebrity guests, and visitors attend the many events and attractions on and near campus. Traditional homecoming events include the Homecoming Football Game and Tailgate, Pep Rally, Coronation Ball, Greek Step-Show, and Fashion Show.
Howard University also has many other campus traditions, such as the Bison Ball and Excellence Awards, an annual black-tie gala where select members of the Howard community are honored for their exceptional accomplishments. Resfest week is another Howard tradition where freshmen living in residence halls compete in various organized competitions, such as field day, academic debate, dance, and step-show.
With a rich history, diverse student body, and a wide range of academic and social opportunities, Howard University offers its students a holistic and transformative educational experience.
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Howard University's history
Howard University is a private, historically Black university founded in 1867 in Washington, D.C. It was established shortly after the American Civil War by members of the First Congregational Society of Washington, who initially sought to create a theological seminary for the education of Black clergymen. Within two years, the project expanded, and the university consisted of the colleges of liberal arts and medicine. The university is named after General Oliver Otis Howard, a Civil War hero who was the founder of the university and, at the time, the commissioner of the Freedmen. Howard University is financially supported by the U.S. government but is privately controlled.
Howard University has played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement and has a history of producing Black professionals across a range of fields, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, nursing, architecture, religion, law, music, social work, and education. The university has a commitment to the study of disadvantaged persons in American society and throughout the world, with the goal of eliminating inequities related to race, colour, social, economic, and political circumstances.
The university has a rich cultural tradition, with Howard Homecoming Week being a prominent feature of the institution. This week includes various events and attractions, such as the Homecoming Football Game and Tailgate, Pep Rally, Coronation Ball, Greek Step-Show, and Fashion Show. Howard University also has many academic and social Greek letter organizations on campus and is the founding site of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
Howard University offers a diverse range of degrees and programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in more than 120 programs. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 and is selective, with a 35% acceptance rate for the incoming freshman class of fall 2021. The university also has a strong research focus, with the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center being recognised as one of the world's largest and most comprehensive repositories for the documentation of the history and culture of people of African descent.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Howard University is a private, historically Black research institution.
The campus size of Howard University is 257 acres.
The student-to-faculty ratio at Howard University is 7:1.
Howard University offers over 200 student clubs and organizations, including academic and social Greek letter organizations, and 21 Division I athletic teams.
Howard University's location in Washington, D.C., provides numerous internship opportunities for students across various fields and disciplines. The university's Office of Career Services helps students prepare for their career searches, and over 150 employers visit the campus each year.







































