Howard University Overview and Admissions
Howard University is a federally chartered historically Black university in Washington, D.C., with an acceptance rate of 36% for the most recent cycle, according to the latest Common Data Set and institutional reporting. The university enrolls about 10,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, with a strong focus on STEM, business, law, and medicine. Howard's endowment stands at roughly $800 million, supported by federal appropriations, research grants, and private giving. For detailed admissions data, see the latest institutional profile on the Howard University website Howard University official site.
Howard University tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $32,000 per year for undergraduate programs, with additional fees and housing costs bringing total estimated attendance costs to around $55,000. Graduate and professional program tuition varies by school, with law and medical programs at the higher end. Howard offers need-based grants, merit scholarships, and federal aid, and the university reports that more than 80% of undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance. Prospective students can use the net price calculator on the Howard University financial aid page Howard University financial aid to estimate individual costs.
Rankings, Programs, and Research
Howard University ranks among the top HBCUs nationally, with its business, engineering, and law programs frequently cited in U.S. News & World Report and other rankings. The School of Business is accredited by AACSB, and the College of Engineering and Architecture offers ABET-accredited programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Howard's research expenditures exceed $100 million annually, with significant funding from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Defense. The university's role as a major research institution is further highlighted by its Carnegie R1 classification for doctoral universities with very high research activity Howard University rankings on U.S. News.
Notable Academic Units and Outcomes
Howard's College of Medicine is one of the oldest and most productive medical schools for African American graduates, and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law ranks among the top public interest law schools in the country. The Cathy Hughes School of Communications and the School of Social Work produce graduates who enter leading media, policy, and nonprofit organizations. Howard reports that its alumni hold senior roles across industries, with notable concentrations in federal government, healthcare, and corporate leadership. The university's career services and alumni network support these outcomes through internships, mentorship, and recruiting partnerships.
Financial Profile and Institutional Data
Howard University's operating budget is supported by a mix of tuition, fees, government appropriations, research grants, and private donations. The university's financial statements, audited annually, are available through the Office of the Treasurer and the Howard University Board of Trustees. Howard's endowment growth and fundraising campaigns are closely watched by donors and analysts, with recent capital campaigns targeting scholarships, faculty chairs, and research infrastructure. The institution files required reports with the U.S. Department of Education and the IRS, and its IRS Form 990 provides detailed financial and governance data IRS tax-exempt organization search.
Howard University's cost of attendance and financial aid packages are structured to meet federal guidelines, with Pell Grant eligibility, Federal Direct Loans, and work-study opportunities available to qualifying students. The university publishes net price data by income bracket, showing that students from lower-income families often pay significantly less than the sticker price. Howard