Howard University

Howard University stands as a profoundly significant institution, a private federally chartered historically Black research university with a rich legacy of empowering African Americans. Founded shortly after the Civil War in 1867 by General Oliver Otis Howard, it rapidly expanded beyond its initial vision as a theological seminary to become a comprehensive university. Over more than a century and a half, Howard has been a crucible for change, playing a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement through student activism and fostering intellectual giants who helped shape American society and culture, including the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Power movement.

Prospective students will find a vibrant academic environment known for its commitment to "Veritas et Utilitas" (Truth and Utility). Howard boasts a robust academic portfolio, recently achieving the prestigious R1 Carnegie Classification, signifying its status as a top-tier research institution. With substantial investments underway, including a $785 million plan for new STEM complexes, a renovated Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, and the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, students can expect cutting-edge facilities and innovative programs across disciplines. The university also houses the first and oldest medical college at an HBCU, the Howard University College of Medicine, alongside its renowned School of Law.

Beyond academics, the student experience at Howard is defined by a powerful sense of community, purpose, and a tradition of activism. From pioneering sit-ins in the 1940s to contemporary student-led movements, Howard students are encouraged to engage with critical issues and advocate for change. The university's strong endowment and continued support, including significant donations and annual congressional appropriations, ensure resources for a dynamic educational journey. Joining the Bison family means becoming part of a storied institution that not only educates but inspires and mobilizes the next generation of global leaders.