Howard University

Washington, United States of America

Howard University, located in Washington, D.C., is a prestigious, historically Black university (HBCU) founded in 1867. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across diverse disciplines, including arts, sciences, law, medicine, and engineering.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Howard is renowned as a premier Historically Black College/University (HBCU), globally recognized for its leadership in STEM (especially Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy), Law, Business, Communications (Journalism), Fine Arts, and Social Sciences. It has a profound legacy of social justice and producing influential Black leaders.
Howard University is a private, federally chartered research university. While it receives significant federal funding due to its unique charter, it operates as a private institution.
Howard University is a private, federally chartered research university. While it receives significant federal funding due to its unique charter, it operates as a private institution.
Admission is competitive. The middle 50% typically have GPAs between 3.5-4.0 (weighted) and SAT scores between 1160-1300 or ACT scores between 23-29. Howard is currently test-optional for most undergraduate programs. Holistic review is key.
Howard University primarily uses the Common Application for undergraduate admissions. Some graduate programs may use specific school/department applications or centralized systems like SOPHAS (Public Health).
Interviews are not typically required for undergraduate admission. However, some highly selective programs (like the Honors Program) or specific graduate/professional schools (Medicine, Law, Business) may offer or recommend interviews as part of their process.
HUPD (Howard University Police Department) provides 24/7 patrols (foot, vehicle, bike), emergency call boxes, escort services, residence hall security, and comprehensive camera surveillance. The LiveSafe app allows direct communication with HUPD and emergency notifications.
The Shaw neighborhood is vibrant and urban. Like any major city area, situational awareness is important. HUPD patrols extend beyond campus boundaries, and the university works closely with DC Metro Police. Students are encouraged to use university resources (escorts, shuttles) especially at night.
Howard uses the Bison SAFE Alert System to send rapid notifications via text, email, and voice call for critical incidents (weather, safety threats). Students/staff are automatically enrolled with university contact info and must update personal mobile numbers.
Highly regarded programs include Biology/Pre-Med, Political Science, Psychology, Journalism (Cathy Hughes School), Business (School of Business), Engineering (all disciplines), Computer Science, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Howard's unique African American Studies program.
Yes, Howard offers a growing number of online and hybrid programs, particularly at the graduate level (e.g., MBA, MPH, MSN, some Education programs) and through Howard University Online. Undergraduate online options are more limited but expanding.
Howard University boasts a relatively low student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 10:1, allowing for significant interaction with professors, personalized attention, and research opportunities.
The absolute first step for all students (domestic and eligible non-citizens) is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible after October 1st, using Howard's school code 001448. This determines eligibility for federal/state grants, loans, and work-study.
Yes! Howard offers significant merit-based scholarships (e.g., Presidential, Capstone, Founders scholarships) for entering freshmen based on academic achievement (GPA, test scores if submitted), leadership, and service. Criteria and amounts vary; no separate application is usually needed beyond admission.
Absolutely. Howard administers numerous endowed scholarships funded by alumni and donors, targeting specific majors, achievements, or backgrounds (e.g., 1867 Scholarship for descendants of enslaved persons). Students apply through the Bison SAFE portal after enrollment.
On-campus housing is guaranteed for all incoming first-year undergraduate students who meet housing application deadlines. Housing for upperclassmen, transfers, and graduate students is available but not guaranteed and is highly competitive.
Many students live in apartments in surrounding neighborhoods like Shaw, LeDroit Park, Columbia Heights, Petworth, and NoMa. The Off-Campus Housing & Commuter Student Services office provides resources and listings. Costs vary significantly by location and type.
Howard's location is highly accessible. The Shaw-Howard U Metro station (Green/Yellow lines) is directly on campus. Multiple Metrobus lines serve the area. DC's compact layout also makes biking, walking, and ride-sharing convenient. The university operates shuttle services.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in the US related to their major for up to 12 months post-graduation. Howard's Office of International Student Services (OISS) provides workshops and guides students through the application process (I-765 form) with USCIS, typically filed 90 days before graduation.
Yes! Students graduating with degrees in designated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing for up to 3 years of total work authorization.
The Center for Career & Professional Success (CCPS) offers specialized advising for international students on job search strategies, resume/CV writing for US employers, understanding H-1B visa sponsorship, and networking. OISS provides immigration advising related to work authorization. Howard's strong alumni network is also a valuable resource.

University Of Howard University Application Statistics

9689
1194
49 %
$ 24996
$ 14376
$ 6584
2.8
30
60 %
1210
25
6.5
537
310
155
155

University Of Howard University Application Statistics

9689
1194
49 %
$ 24996
$ 14376
$ 6584
2.8
30
60 %
1210
25
6.5
537
310
155
155

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