Founded in 1867, Howard University. is a Private college. Located in District of Columbia, which is a city setting in District of Columbia, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 5,899 full time undergraduate students, and 3,067 full time graduate students.
The Howard University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 8:1. There are 930 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Howard University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
30%
Application Deadline
1-Nov
Application Fee
45
SAT Range
1040-1240
ACT Range
22-28
Admissions at are considered More Selective, with ,203% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 5 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Howard University.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
7%
“We know about current events and vote”
40%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
53%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
5%
“Sometimes, but not often”
42%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
51%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
21%
“I only go out in groups”
61%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
17%
“I feel extremely safe”
4%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
45%
“We bought the gear”
51%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
8%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
45%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
43%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
10%
“Available in class”
67%
“They keep regular office hours”
19%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
63%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
30%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
421 Students rated on-campus housing 2.5 stars. 3 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
369 Students rated off-campus housing 2.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
430 Students rated campus food 2.7 stars. 6 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
437 Students rated campus facilities 2.9 stars. 8 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
438 Students rated class size 3.9 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
435 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 47 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
440 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
437 Students rated academics 3.7 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
Howard University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Howard University?
191 Students rated Howard University
Jala - 03/18/2025
I love HU! It is truly a close-knit community that wants its students to excel not just in the classroom but also outside of it. Howard University gives back to its community and encourages its students to do the same. Students are proud to say they attended HU not just because of its stellar reputation but because it is made of people who genuinely want to improve the world. Outside of the community, the campus is beautiful! During the spring, the campus truly comes alive in the cherry blossom season! You can find students having picnics, professors having classes outside, and people talking and learning from each other. Our sports teams are stellar and encourage students to try new sports they may not have access to at home. I love my time at HU; if I could do it all over again, I would still pick Howard University.
Brianna - 11/19/2024
I'm a current transfer sophomore at Howard, and the controversy surrounding this classification alone is why I can't give Howard five stars. Every transfer student at Howard knows that it's a hassle to get your credits uploaded and actually know your classification, you immediately learn how rare it is to communicate with the administration promptly, and most of all other complaints, the lack of financial aid they provide is concerning, However, despite the chaos, I don't regret transferring to Howard. I'm receiving an education that I couldn't have imagined. All of my professors are incredibly dedicated to their craft, and they make sure to include us in discussions frequently. I especially enjoy being a part of conversations surrounding black life without feeling the need to censor myself. I think this stands out more than anything else Howard can offer me because I'm a stem major, and in my stem classes, we don't have such conversations, which is why I love that all students are required to take Black Studies classes, and I believe this helps us become well-rounded scholars. I appreciate being able to attend such a socially conscious institution!
Nevaeh - 09/02/2024
I think it is an amazing school the facilities could use some work but as a whole it is amazing. The staff is friendly to the students and they are always willing to help everyone here. The students are friendly and are always willing to help. The food here is not that bad, but soul food Thursday is always a plus.
Kayla - 07/20/2024
Going to Howard University is an experience unlike any other, offering a unique blend of advantages and challenges that shape one's academic and personal journey.
Firstly, Howard's distinction as an all-black university fosters a deep sense of cultural pride and community. It provides an environment where students can fully embrace their identity and heritage, surrounded by peers who share similar experiences and aspirations. This sense of belonging is a powerful motivator for academic success and personal growth, creating a supportive network that extends far beyond graduation.
Moreover, Howard University boasts a reputation for exceptional networking opportunities. Its alumni network is extensive and influential across various industries, offering invaluable connections that can open doors to internships, jobs, and mentorship. The university's location in Washington, D.C., further enhances these opportunities, as it is a hub for government, business, and culture.
However, attending Howard does come with its challenges. One significant drawback is the cost. Like many private universities, Howard's tuition and fees can be prohibitively expensive for many students. While financial aid options are available, navigating the financial aspects of attending Howard requires careful planning and often significant personal investment.
Additionally, Washington, D.C. itself is known for its high cost of living. Accommodation, daily expenses, and recreational activities can strain a student's budget, adding to the overall financial burden of attending Howard University.
In conclusion, choosing to attend Howard University is a decision that offers immense cultural and networking benefits within a supportive community. However, prospective students must also consider the financial implications of attending a private university in an expensive urban setting. Despite these challenges, Howard University remains a beacon of academic excellence and cultural pride for many aspiring students.
Kyla - 07/11/2024
Howard University offers rigorous academic programs across a wide range of disciplines, including strong programs in business, law, medicine, engineering, and the arts. The faculty consists of accomplished scholars and professionals who are dedicated to educating and mentoring students. Howard's commitment to research and scholarship is evident in its numerous research centers and initiatives that address critical issues affecting the African American community and beyond.
nia - 06/04/2024
I completed my Bachelor’s of Arts, with a major in Strategic Legal Management Communications, a concentration on Public Relations, and a minor in Criminology. Overall, I’d rate my experience a 4/5. If the administration was better, I’d give it a 5. When it comes to student experience, it is what you make it. The university provides very little opportunities and resources for its students. As it is a small campus, it can be tricky getting involved. However, once involved, everything else comes easily. I wouldn’t rely on the university for food, housing or facilities. The classes are small, which allows the opportunity to build connections with your professors for better resources and opportunities academically. Overall, I believe the students are what makes Howard University a worthy experience. So if you’re comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone and learning how to maneuver the world on your own, Howard is the place for you!
aysha - 05/31/2024
Howard University is a pretty nice campus with friendly people (outside and inside of campus) acceptable food (with themes sometimes), great campus facilities and a great walking distance to many classes. On the other hand, the teachers are not always avaliable and hide from students with no explanation. They also seems to never understand their students. The campus is not the safest, but is getting better and housing/ dorms are not the best and could be better. Overall, while Howard claims to be the prestigious "Black Harvard", they need to do better with caring and catering more towards the students needs.
briel - 04/04/2024
I love it and I can’t wait to go there! I feel that every hbcu has its problems and not everyone wants to go there but the community is everything. You are surrounded by your people and you are constantly being encouraged to be the example of black excellence.
Jonora - 09/25/2023
I am very glad that I chose to enroll here however there is still plenty of room for improvement. Howard University has an immeasurable legacy and reputation and I am grateful to be apart of that. At the same time, Howard needs to make it easier for its students to want to commit to that legacy and still be able to make ends meet.
Kayla - 09/01/2023
Howard University is a good school that has an equal balance of work and party. Lots of events happen on campus in the yard if your ever walking through campus and it’s a great way to learn about clubs, opportunities, or even help support student business.
Chloe - 08/21/2023
I am a freshman at Howard University and so far I can stay the school has been very inclusive and makes and effort to ensure students feel heard and represented as much as they can. Additionally, with the complaints that the students have made, I have seen the university make a timely effort to fix those issues and keep the students protected and safe.
Destiny - 04/02/2023
Howard has a strong culture, both from alumni and students. There are plenty of events and activities to partake in and also a variety of student-led organizations. Dealing with administration and navigating the university socially can be difficult, but there are plenty of people to meet with shared interests.
JaKhia - 03/18/2023
Honestly, I like attending Howard University. I am currently in my second year (sophomore) here and I love the community. It's really a blessing seeing my fellow sisters and brothers on the high achieving path. There are numerous opportunities for campus involvement and career interests (jobs/ internships). However, the campus dorms and academic buildings could be way better.
Upkhepiresh Sha-t - 01/10/2023
I absolutely love Howard University. It is full of vibrant and inspiring people. The administration is difficult to deal with, but if you are about it, you'll get it done.
Naomi - 12/31/2022
I truly enjoy Howard. There are a variety of clubs and organizations that you can join along with the location being right in the middle of D.C. I also love the student body as an African American and the opportunities provided by the university. I feel like I’m in a place where I could possibly stay after graduation.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Howard University is 30%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I would tell myself to do well enough in high school so that you wont have to worry about paying for college. I would also tell myself to never give up, and stay postitive throughout every situation; always be a leader, and go for what you want; anything you put your mind to, you can do it. There are many opportunites that are offered to college students, but they are not handed to you, go out and get them. The last thing I would tell myself is to experience everything possible and enjoy life, while maintaining your academics.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
Howard University is the institution of higher learning that places a strong emphasis of one excelling in their respectived fields, and using their acquired knowledge and skills to enhance the local, national, and global communities.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
Howard has a distinctive vibe when one visits the campus, different than either of the other two schools I applied to ( UMD College Park and UVA). There's an immediate connection that you feel with the Howard community from students to faculty, it's like a family bond. The same as family goes, members of the Howard community are genuine in their support and care for one another. The fact that you're surrounded by other minorities who are doing tremendous things with themselves is a source of inspiration and pushes you to succeed just the same.
Howard Unviersity is known for being the most prestige HBCU in the United States and employing its graduated students. Known as "the Mecca," Howard applauded for the level of responsiblity and understanidng it inserts into the persona lives of its students. It is also the Alpha Chapter for many of the sororities and fraternities on camps.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frustrating thing about Howard University is without a doubt, registration. Registering for classes is almost as hard as staying in to study on a Saturday night when everyone's partying, but at the end of the day it's something you have to do. Registration is difficult because of the lack of space in classes so as a freshman the classes you need, often fill fast. While most of the students here can agree, they love the close and interactive environment of a small classroom when it comes time to register it is what we hate the most.
Best thing: The student body, we are so diverse and it's great.
Would Change: The Financial aid staff
Size is just right
Oohhh you go to howard?! (impressed look)
I spend my time in the undergraduate library or Blackburn
Definitely a college town, there are too many schools in dc to count
There's tons of school pride. HU...YOU KNOW!!! (Howard hand)
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
The stereotype of students at Howard University is that they are stuck up and not very personable. For the most part, that is untrue. The way I see it is this - in the real world there are many different types of people. There are people who expect others to worship the ground they walk on, and there are people that realize they have to work for everything in life. While there may be a few stuck up people at Howard, the majority of students are not like that.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
I think that the stereotype about being stuck up isn't really true and is an ideology spread mainly by dc natives who don't attend the school. It is definitely true that some people get caught up in dress up just to go to class....but that is not the majority. I will say however, Howard is not one of those schools where everyone wears pajamas and sweat pants to class.
I decided to go to Howard University, because I grew up in an area that didn’t have that many African Americans. I felt like Howard University would be a great way for me to get in touch with my own culture and history. After visiting the University I felt like it was my calling to go to this university, because of its legacy, history, and the reality of being around thousands of young intelligent Blacks who are working for a similar goal I am working for.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
90% of students attending Howard University receive some sort of financial aid.
48% were awarded federal grants.54%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.