Howard University is the nation's top-ranked historically Black university, located in Washington, D.C. Howard has produced a remarkable number of influential leaders in law, medicine, politics, and media, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. The university is a major research institution with particularly strong programs in communications, political science, and pre-medicine.
Mascot: Bison
Notable Alumni
Chadwick Boseman (actor, Black Panther)•Toni Morrison (Nobel Prize-winning novelist)•Thurgood Marshall (first Black Supreme Court Justice)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Howard is the birthplace of five of the Divine Nine organizations and the founding site of the National Pan-Hellenic Council — Greek life here isn't just a social option, it's living history. Homecoming is arguably the most famous in all of college, with step shows that draw national attention. The culture pushes Black excellence with an intensity that produces leaders across every field.
Historic hilltop campus in northwest D.C. anchored by the iconic Founders Library clock tower and Cramton Auditorium, with a dignified mix of historic and modern buildings on a compact, tree-lined campus.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Howard's on-campus crime rate is significantly lower than the surrounding area, with a full Department of Public Safety providing 24/7 patrols and emergency response.
The surrounding Northwest DC neighborhoods are mixed block-by-block, with some quiet residential streets and others that see higher rates of property and violent crime.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Mon-Fri at select times; fall (Sep-Nov), spring (mid-Jan-Apr), summer (Jun-Jul)
Duration: ~2 hours (information session + guided campus tour)
Registration required — capacity limited. Group tours (10-50 students) available with advance scheduling. No tours during winter break or August. Fall and spring tours fill fast.
Book a TourSelf-Guided Tour Brochure available — Howard is an open campus you can explore freely. Auto-guided 3D virtual tour also available for exploring campus remotely.
Tour ResourcesLate September through November when fall semester is in full swing and Homecoming brings unparalleled energy — Howard Homecoming is one of the most celebrated HBCU events in the country. Spring (March-April) is also excellent with Yard Fest. Avoid summer and winter break when campus is quiet.
Howard Center Lot visitor parking at $10/day (credit card only), entrance on 8th St NW. Metered street parking enforced Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. Best by Metro: Shaw-Howard U station (Green/Yellow lines) provides direct campus access. From Reagan National (DCA): Metro Blue/Yellow to Gallery Place, transfer to Green Line to Shaw-Howard U, ~25 min. Dulles (IAD): Silver Line + transfer, ~75 min. BWI: MARC train + Metro, ~90 min.
Location
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