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
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.
Location
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