
Howard University is a private, historically black, federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C, United States. It was founded in 1867 and has since awarded over 120,000 degrees and certificates. The university has approximately 11,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate, graduate, professional, and joint degree programs, which span more than 120 areas of study within 13 schools and colleges. The student body is actively involved in community service efforts and has a rich history of social activism, with students pioneering the stool-sitting technique to protest racial discrimination in the 1940s.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of institution | Private, historically black, federally chartered research university |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Year founded | 1867 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 10,190 (Fall 2023) |
| Total enrollment | 9,689-11,000 |
| Campus size | 256-257 acres |
| Number of degree programs | More than 120 |
| Number of schools and colleges | 13-14 |
| Number of student organizations | Over 200 |
| Number of alumni | More than 120,000 |
| Notable alumni | Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture), H. Patrick Swygert |
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Howard University has approximately 11,000 students enrolled
Howard University is a private, historically black, federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1867 by Civil War hero General Oliver O. Howard, and it currently has approximately 11,000 students enrolled. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in more than 120 programs within 13 schools and colleges. These include the School of Business, the School of Law, the School of Divinity, and the School of Medicine, among others.
The university's main campus is located on 256 acres of land across the District of Columbia and Maryland, with dedicated nearby campuses for the School of Law, School of Divinity, and its research facility. Howard University is known for its diverse student body, with enrollment comprising students from 45 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 9 other nations. The university has a rich history of student activism and is recognised for its academic excellence, particularly in the fields of medicine and the natural sciences.
Howard University is the top producer of African American undergraduates who later earn PhDs in the natural sciences, according to the National Science Foundation. It is also the leading producer of African American students entering medical schools in the United States. The university fosters a vibrant student life with over 200 registered student organizations, Greek letter organisations, and a strong tradition of Homecoming week celebrations.
Howard University's School of Business has earned top rankings for providing the "greatest opportunity for minority students." The university has produced the highest number of HBCU Rhodes Scholars to study at the University of Oxford. It has also been recognised for its excellence in journalism and communications, with Diverse Issues in Higher Education ranking it as the number one producer of African American graduates in these fields.
Howard University's enrolment of approximately 11,000 students contributes to a diverse and dynamic campus community, offering a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. The university's history, reputation, and dedication to educating students from diverse backgrounds make it a prominent institution in the United States.
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The university has 13 schools and colleges
Howard University is a private, federally chartered, historically black university in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1867 by Civil War hero General Oliver O. Howard. The university's main campus is home to 256 acres of land across the District of Columbia and Maryland.
The university consists of 13 schools and colleges, including the School of Law, School of Divinity, and a research facility, each with their own nearby campuses. Howard University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in more than 120 programs, including Arts & Sciences, Business, Communications, Dentistry, Divinity, Education, Engineering, Architecture, Computer Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Social Work.
Howard University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and its programs in specialized fields are accredited by numerous professional agencies. The university has an enrollment of approximately 11,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, representing 45 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 9 other nations.
Howard University has a rich history of student activism and is known for its diverse and inclusive community. The university's motto, "Veritas et Utilitas" or "Truth and Service," is reflected in its academic and student programs, with a focus on community service and social impact. Howard University is also recognized for its academic excellence, ranking highly among America's best colleges and producing a significant number of African American graduates who go on to pursue advanced degrees and careers in various fields.
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82% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in 2020
Howard University is a private, federally chartered, historically Black university in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1867 and has since awarded over 120,000 degrees and certificates. The university has approximately 11,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate, graduate, professional, and joint degree programs. The student body represents 45 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and nine other nations.
In 2020, 82% of first-year students at Howard University received need-based financial aid. This statistic reflects the university's commitment to supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds and ensuring that qualified individuals have access to higher education regardless of their financial situation. Need-based financial aid can come in various forms, including grants, scholarships, and loans. Grants and scholarships, in particular, are highly desirable forms of aid because they provide funding that does not need to be repaid, reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
The availability of need-based financial aid can have a significant impact on students' ability to pursue their educational goals. For many students, financial assistance is a crucial factor in deciding which college to attend. By offering need-based financial aid, Howard University not only attracts talented students from diverse backgrounds but also contributes to the overall accessibility and affordability of higher education.
Howard University's dedication to meeting the financial needs of its students is further demonstrated by the existence of various scholarship opportunities. For instance, the university offers academic scholarships based on merit and outstanding achievement. Additionally, there are scholarships designated for specific fields of study, such as the arts, sciences, or humanities. These scholarships not only recognise academic excellence but also encourage students to pursue their passions and contribute to their chosen disciplines.
Moreover, Howard University has a proud history of student activism and a strong tradition of community service. The university's motto, "Veritas et Utilitas" or "Truth and Service," is reflected in the active involvement of its students, faculty, and staff in local, national, and global service initiatives. This commitment to serving others extends beyond the campus and into the wider community, where Howard University students have played a significant role in advocating for social justice and racial equality.
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Howard University has over 200 registered student organisations
Howard University, a historically black university, has over 200 registered student organisations. The university was founded in 1867 by Civil War hero General Oliver O. Howard. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,190 as of Fall 2023, with an approximate total student population of 11,000. The university's main campus is located in Washington, DC, and spans 256 acres of land.
Howard University has a rich history of student activism and community engagement. As early as the 1940s, Howard University students played a pioneering role in the Civil Rights Movement by utilising the "stool-sitting" technique to protest against racial discrimination in local cafeterias. This tactic later evolved into organised sit-ins and pickets around Washington, DC, to advocate for racial equality. The university's student body continues to actively participate in community service and has been involved in national and global service efforts to improve the quality of life in various communities.
The university offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for its diverse student population. Students can choose from over 120 areas of study within 13 or 14 schools and colleges, including Arts & Sciences, Business, Communications, Dentistry, Divinity, Education, and Engineering. Howard University also boasts a robust Greek life, with various social and academic Greek letter organisations on campus, including the founding site of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and five of its nine organisations.
The university's media outlets provide additional avenues for student engagement. Howard University Television (WHUT-TV), founded in 1980, was the first African-American-owned public television station in the nation. WHUR-FM, the university's commercial radio station, has been a leading broadcaster in the Washington metropolitan area for over 34 years. Additionally, Howard University's student-operated radio station, WHBC, has been on air for over 30 years and serves as a significant media outlet for the student body.
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Howard University is a historically black university
Howard University is a federally chartered private research university in Washington, D.C., with a history that dates back to 1867. It was founded by Civil War hero General Oliver O. Howard, and named in his honour. The university is made up of 13 or 14 schools and colleges, spanning more than 120 areas of study, with an approximate total enrollment of 11,000 students. Howard University is a historically black university, with a strong legacy of activism and civil rights.
The university's establishment was considered shortly after the American Civil War, with the initial intention of creating a theological seminary for the education of black clergymen. Within two years, the scope of the project had expanded, and the university consisted of colleges of liberal arts and medicine. The university's motto, 'Veritas et Utilitas' or 'Truth and Service', is reflected in its academic and research programs, with students, faculty and staff actively involved in community service and initiatives to improve the quality of life in communities.
Howard University has a rich history of student activism and has been at the forefront of civil rights movements. In the 1940s, Howard University students pioneered the 'stool-sitting' technique, occupying stools at a local cafeteria that denied service to African Americans. This tactic later played a prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement, with students organising regular sit-ins and pickets around Washington, D.C. at establishments that refused service based on race. More recently, in 2016, President Barack Obama delivered a commencement address at Howard University, encouraging graduates to become advocates for racial change.
Howard University is the top producer of African American undergraduates who later earn PhDs in the natural sciences, as well as the leading producer of African American students entering medical schools in the U.S. The university also boasts the highest number of HBCU Rhodes Scholars to study at the University of Oxford. Howard University's School of Business was ranked as the "greatest opportunity for minority students" by Princeton Review, and it is one of four HBCUs with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest academic honour society in the U.S.
Howard University has a vibrant student life, with over 200 registered student organisations, including Greek letter organisations, sports teams, and media outlets such as Howard University Television (WHUT-TV) and the commercial radio station WHUR-FM. The university's Homecoming Week is a prominent cultural tradition, attracting over 100,000 attendees to various events and attractions, including the Homecoming Football Game, Pep Rally, Coronation Ball, and Fashion Show.
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Frequently asked questions
Howard University has an enrollment of approximately 11,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, professional, and joint degree programs.
Howard University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,190 as of Fall 2023. Another source estimates the number of undergraduate students to be 9,689.
Howard University offers more than 120 areas of study within 13 or 14 schools and colleges.










































