Howard University, one of the nation's leading research universities, is dedicated to educating students from diverse backgrounds at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels. Guided by our extraordinary cadre of faculty, students are immersed in cutting-edge scholarship and innovation including nanotechnology, human genome research, atmospheric science, as well as the social sciences, arts and humanities.

Founding

Howard was founded on March 2, 1867, by Civil War hero General Oliver O. Howard. The main campus is home to 256 acres of land across the District of Columbia and Maryland. With our Main Campus located in northwest DC, the School of Law, School of Divinity, and Howard's research facility each have dedicated campuses nearby. In all, more than 120,000 degrees and certificates have been awarded.

Achievements and Accolades

Howard University is the leading producer of African American students

  • The National Science Foundation cites Howard University as the top producer African American undergraduates who later earn PhDs in natural sciences
  • Howard University is the leading producer of African American students entering medical schools in the U.S. 
  • The No. 1 producer of African Americans earning degrees in communications and journalism by Diverse Issues in Higher Education.
  • The School of Law is the No. 2 law degree producer for African American by Diverse Issues in Higher Education.

2019 Best Undergraduate Teaching Programs

  • Ranked No. 34 on U.S. News & World Report's list of 2019 Best Undergraduate Teaching Programs.

"Greatest opportunity for minority students"

  • The School of Business earned the number 1 spot by Princeton Review as the "greatest opportunity for minority students."

Top 100 on U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges

  • The only HBCU to be ranked in the top 100 on U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges list. 

Highest number of HBCU Rhodes Scholars

  • Highest number of HBCU Rhodes Scholars to study at the University of Oxford.

President

As a dedicated and conscientious steward of the institution’s resources, the occupant of the presidency must elevate this historically Black college and university to new heights of relevance, impact and service to our local, national and global communities.

Dr. Ben Vinson III is the 18th and current president of Howard University.

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