Howard University's Student Diversity: Who Can Attend?

Howard University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) with a principal mission of serving and educating the black community. However, non-black students can also attend Howard University. While the majority of students are Black, there is a small percentage of white, Asian, and Hispanic students. In recent years, there has been a growing presence of white students on HBCU campuses due to court orders, and some Black students have expressed concern about the threat this poses to the unique mission and heritage of HBCUs.

Howard University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)

Howard University is one of the largest HBCUs in the nation, with around 10,000 students. While the majority of students at Howard are Black, there are also small percentages of students from other racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Asian, White, and Hispanic students. The university is selective, with an acceptance rate of around 35-36%.

Howard University has played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement and has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, law, literature, and entertainment. The university is also recognised for its research capabilities, with a focus on interdisciplinary and collaborative research.

As an HBCU, Howard University has experienced changes in enrollment patterns over time, reflecting broader societal shifts. While enrollment at HBCUs grew between 1976 and 2010, it has decreased slightly since then. Additionally, the share of Black students attending HBCUs has declined as desegregation, rising incomes, and increased access to financial aid have led to more college options for Black Americans. Nevertheless, HBCUs continue to play an important role in providing educational opportunities and promoting cultural and ethnic diversity.

HBCUs welcome students of all races and ethnicities

Howard University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) with a principal mission of serving and educating the black community. However, HBCUs welcome students of all races and ethnicities.

HBCUs were created for African Americans who were historically prohibited from attending most colleges. Today, students of any race and ethnicity can apply to HBCUs, provided they meet the grade requirements. While the majority of students at Howard University are Black, there is also a small percentage of white, Asian, and Hispanic students.

In recent years, there has been a growing presence of white students on HBCU campuses due to court orders. According to racetraitor.org, "13 HBCUs nationwide are now at least 20 percent white, and five public HBCUs in the North Carolina system have been pressured to increase their white enrollment (currently 16.5 percent)". This shift in demographics has sparked concerns among Black students who view the increasing white enrollment as a threat to the unique mission and heritage of HBCUs.

Despite the changing demographics, HBCUs remain committed to their core mission of serving the Black community and providing a quality education. HBCUs offer a wide range of financial assistance, including scholarships, loans, and grants, to support students in their educational journey. With over 100 HBCUs in the United States, students have a variety of institutions to choose from, allowing them to find the best fit for their educational goals.

Howard University's student population is approximately 10,859

Howard University is a private institution that was founded in 1867. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,190 (as of fall 2023), although other sources place the figure at 9,689 or approximately 11,000. The university's 13 schools and colleges offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, with over 120 areas of study.

The university's diverse student body represents 45 US states, the District of Columbia, and 9 nations. While the majority of students are African American, there are also small percentages of Asians, whites, and Hispanics. The university is dedicated to educating students from diverse backgrounds, and its unique appeal is that there is a place for everyone.

Howard University is ranked #86 in National Universities and #2 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It is also ranked #120 in Best Value Schools. The university's School of Business was ranked #1 by Princeton Review as the "greatest opportunity for minority students."

Howard University's main campus spans 256-257 acres of land across the District of Columbia and Maryland. The university offers a range of male, female, and co-ed housing options, both on and off-campus. The university has its own stop on Washington, DC's public transportation system, the Metro, and students are allowed to bring cars to school, except for freshmen, who are not eligible for campus parking.

Howard University's racial/ethnic breakdown: 84% racial/ethnic minorities

Howard University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) with a principal mission of serving and educating the black community. While the majority of students are Black or African American, the university does have a small percentage of non-Black students. According to one source, around 76% of students identify as Black, with 7% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 1% White, and 5% international students. Another source states that while most students are African American, there is also a small percentage of Asians, Whites, and Hispanics.

Howard University's racial/ethnic breakdown is 84% racial/ethnic minorities. This percentage is calculated by taking the total number of students and subtracting white students, international students, and students whose race/ethnicity is unknown. This number is then divided by the total number of students at the school to obtain the racial/ethnic minorities percentage.

While Howard University is a historically black university, it is open to students of all races and ethnicities. The university values diversity and strives to create an inclusive environment for all of its students. As one student at Howard University wrote, "Everyone should go to Howard. The unique thing about Howard is that there is a place for everyone, and there is always something someone will like."

Howard University's racial/ethnic breakdown reflects the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The university welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds and strives to create a community that is both academically challenging and culturally enriching. The university's location in a diverse city also contributes to its commitment to diversity. Howard University is located in Washington, DC, a city known for its cultural and ethnic diversity. This provides students with the opportunity to engage with a wide range of people and experiences during their time at the university.

Howard University's reputation and preparation for students' success upon graduation

Howard University is a private, historically Black university in Washington, D.C., founded in 1867. It has a large undergraduate enrollment of 10,190 students (as of Fall 2023) and spans 257 acres. The university is highly regarded, ranking #86 in National Universities in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges. It is also ranked #2 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and #120 in Best Value Schools.

Howard University has a reputation for academic excellence and research preeminence, with a global reputation for diversity and its location in the capital. The university's graduate school is committed to producing leaders for America and the global community, with a focus on turning graduate education and research passions into a pursuit of ideas to solve global challenges. The university's institutional motto, Veritas et Utilitas (Truth and Service), is reflected in its research enterprise.

The faculty at Howard University are leading practitioners, industry experts, policymakers, diplomats, public health officials, economists, and research scientists. They bring years of experience to the classroom and provide access to global research networks and connections. The faculty includes members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Sciences. Howard's faculty also includes National Science Foundation CAREER award recipients, Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, and over 70 Fulbright scholars.

Howard University offers a wide range of graduate programs, including those in the School of Business, School of Law, College of Medicine, and College of Engineering. The university also offers a university-wide core curriculum for undergraduate students, with required courses in English composition and Afro-American studies. Students can then choose from various majors, including Afro-American studies, French, and music therapy. Outside of classes, students can join various student organizations, such as fraternities, sororities, and academic clubs.

The university prepares its students for success upon graduation by offering a well-rounded education that includes both academic and extracurricular opportunities. The diverse and inclusive environment, along with the strong academic programs, helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed for their future careers. The university's notable alumni include Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected vice president; former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison; and Emmy Award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad.

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