Everything You Need to Know About Howard University

Howard University stands as one of the most iconic and influential historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. Since its founding in 1867, it has been a beacon of academic achievement, cultural richness, social justice, and Black excellence. Located in Washington, D.C., Howard has cultivated generations of leaders, scholars, artists, activists, and professionals who have left indelible marks on society. This guide explores the university's history, academic offerings, campus life, alumni network, and the unique role it continues to play in shaping the Black experience in America and beyond.

A Rich and Revolutionary History

Howard University was founded just after the Civil War, during a time when the nation was grappling with Reconstruction and the newly emancipated Black population sought access to education and economic opportunity. Named after General Oliver Otis Howard, a Union general and commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau, the university was originally established to provide education for African Americans and quickly evolved into a full-fledged university.

From its inception, Howard was inclusive and visionary. While its primary mission was to educate African Americans, Howard has always accepted students of all races, religions, and genders. In fact, it was one of the first institutions in the U.S. to open its doors to women and people of color across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines.

Over the decades, Howard has grown from a theological seminary into a prestigious research university with 13 schools and colleges. The institution has played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement and continues to produce leaders who fight for justice and equality on a global scale.

Academic Excellence and Offerings

Howard University is often referred to as the "Mecca" of Black education—and for good reason. It offers more than 120 areas of study through its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. These include:

• College of Arts and Sciences (COAS): The largest academic unit at Howard, COAS offers degrees in humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and mathematics. It serves as the academic core of the university and is home to disciplines that form the bedrock of liberal arts education.

• School of Business: One of the most respected business schools among HBCUs, Howard’s School of Business offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including an MBA program recognized for its emphasis on global leadership and ethics.

• School of Communications: Known for producing media powerhouses and journalists, this school includes programs in journalism, public relations, advertising, and media production. It’s a key player in shaping the narratives around Black culture and representation.

• College of Engineering and Architecture: Offering degrees in mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering, architecture, and computer science, this college is instrumental in producing top Black talent in STEM fields.

• College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, and College of Pharmacy: These professional schools are vital to addressing healthcare disparities and have trained countless Black professionals in the medical field.

• School of Law: A cornerstone of civil rights legal scholarship, Howard’s School of Law has been instrumental in some of the most important legal battles in U.S. history, including Brown v. Board of Education.

Other schools include the Graduate School, the School of Education, the School of Social Work, and the School of Divinity.

The Howard University Experience: Campus Life and Culture

Stepping onto Howard’s campus is like stepping into a living legacy. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Howard’s campus is both historic and modern, with state-of-the-art facilities and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Student Organizations and Engagement

Howard boasts over 200 student-run organizations, including fraternities and sororities (especially the Divine Nine), academic clubs, political action groups, artistic collectives, and religious associations. Whether you're interested in debating national policy or performing spoken word poetry, Howard has a community for you.

One of the most iconic organizations is the Howard University Student Association (HUSA), which acts as the official voice of the student body. Students are encouraged to be politically active, socially aware, and culturally engaged.

Homecoming and Yardfest

Howard’s Homecoming is legendary. People travel from all over the world to experience the fusion of culture, fashion, music, and pride that makes Howard Homecoming the gold standard among HBCUs. Yardfest, the heart of Homecoming week, brings together artists, alumni, students, and visitors for an unforgettable celebration of Black excellence and culture. It has featured performances from artists like Drake, Jay-Z, Diddy, and many others.

The Mecca and The Hilltop

“The Mecca” is more than a nickname; it symbolizes Howard’s role as the cultural and intellectual epicenter of the Black diaspora. Similarly, “The Hilltop” not only refers to Howard’s physical elevation above the D.C. cityscape but also the university’s student-run newspaper, one of the oldest Black collegiate publications in the nation. Notably, it was once edited by Zora Neale Hurston, a Howard alumna and literary icon of the Harlem Renaissance.

Diversity and Global Impact

While historically Black, Howard is an inclusive institution with students from diverse racial, ethnic, and international backgrounds. Its global impact is felt in the fields of diplomacy, medicine, law, and education.

The Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center coordinates programs to expand global opportunities for Howard students, from study abroad to internships with international organizations. Howard also regularly partners with global universities and supports research that addresses global inequities and challenges.

Distinguished Alumni: From Icons to Change Makers

Howard’s alumni list reads like a who's who of Black excellence:

• Thurgood Marshall: The first African American Supreme Court Justice and a towering figure in civil rights law.

• Chadwick Boseman: Acclaimed actor and cultural hero who portrayed iconic figures such as Jackie Robinson and T’Challa in Black Panther.

• Kamala Harris: The 49th Vice President of the United States and the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office.

• Toni Morrison: Nobel Prize-winning author and literary legend who briefly taught at Howard.

• Phylicia Rashad: Celebrated actress and current Dean of the College of Fine Arts, a role she assumed in honor of her late friend and fellow Howard alum Chadwick Boseman.

• Ta-Nehisi Coates: Acclaimed writer and intellectual who has reshaped public discourse on race and history.

• Andrew Young, Elijah Cummings, Ossie Davis, Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack, and many more.

These individuals exemplify the spirit of Howard: ambitious, unapologetic, and impactful.

Commitment to Social Justice

Howard University has always been more than just an academic institution—it’s been a training ground for activism and a catalyst for social change. During the Civil Rights Movement, Howard students and faculty were on the front lines. The campus was a hub for strategy meetings, and its law school graduates often became the legal minds behind landmark decisions.

In more recent times, Howard students have led protests for justice, challenged university leadership on equity issues, and used their platforms to address issues like police brutality, voting rights, and student loan reform.

Howard’s commitment to social justice is also institutionalized through various centers and initiatives, including:

• The Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center

• The Center for Women, Gender, and Global Leadership

• The Howard University School of Law Civil Rights Clinic

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Howard is a private institution, but it is deeply committed to providing access to quality education for students from all backgrounds. The university offers need-based aid, merit scholarships, and federal financial aid packages.

Programs like the HU Access Initiative are designed to eliminate barriers for first-generation and low-income students. Scholarships specific to STEM, the arts, and various disciplines are available, along with partnerships with major corporations to fund internships and tuition support.

Research and Innovation

Howard is a top-tier research university with the Carnegie classification of “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity.” Faculty and students are involved in cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, social justice, climate change, and cybersecurity.

Howard’s research centers include:

• The Howard University Cancer Center

• The NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology

• The Center for Drug Research and Development

Additionally, Howard recently partnered with Google and Amazon to establish pathways in tech and computer science for underrepresented minorities.

Athletics and the Bison Pride

Howard’s athletic teams, known as the Bison, compete in the NCAA Division I and are part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). While the football and basketball programs get much of the spotlight, Howard also has strong track and field, volleyball, and swimming teams.

Beyond competition, athletics at Howard are a cultural force. The marching band, known as Showtime, is one of the best in the nation and plays a huge role in Homecoming and major games. Sporting events are as much about community as they are about competition, and Bison pride runs deep.

Campus Landmarks and Icons

From Founders Library, an architectural gem and intellectual sanctuary, to the iconic Howard University Hospital, the campus is filled with landmarks that hold historical and cultural significance.

Other must-see spots include:

• The Blackburn University Center – the social and administrative hub of student life.

• The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts – newly reestablished to honor the beloved actor and alum.

• Howard Hall – the oldest building on campus.

• The Yard – the open green space where students gather, speak, protest, celebrate, and find community.

Howard in Popular Culture

Howard has been referenced and honored in countless songs, films, and books. Beyoncé featured Howard’s band in her Homecoming film. Shows like A Different World were inspired by life at HBCUs like Howard. Alumni like Taraji P. Henson, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Lance Gross often shout out their alma mater, helping to keep Howard’s legacy alive in mainstream culture.

The university’s cultural capital is immense—it’s a place where style, scholarship, and the spirit of the diaspora collide to produce the future.

The Future of Howard

Howard is expanding and evolving. With new buildings under construction, growing endowment funds, and high-profile partnerships with companies like Netflix and Microsoft, the university is investing in its future while staying true to its mission.

President Ben Vinson III, who took the helm in 2023, has vowed to lead Howard into a new era of academic excellence, student empowerment, and global leadership.

In 2021, MacKenzie Scott, philanthropist and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, donated $40 million to Howard—the largest single gift in the university’s history. These contributions have supercharged efforts to increase student support, expand research, and improve campus infrastructure.

Why Howard?

To attend Howard is to become part of a global family, one that embraces heritage while pushing toward the future. It's more than a school—it’s a movement. For students seeking to immerse themselves in a dynamic, affirming, and purpose-driven environment, Howard offers a home like no other.

From its historic roots to its forward-looking ambitions, Howard University remains a testament to what is possible when education meets culture, purpose, and power.