“America's premier HBCU, forging Black excellence and global leadership since 1867.”
Howard University stands as the most prestigious Historically Black University (HBCU) in the United States, known colloquially as 'The Mecca.' Established in 1867 and located in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC, Howard is a private, federally chartered research institution that has educated generations of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers. With 14 schools and colleges offering 140+ undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, Howard combines rigorous academic excellence with a deep commitment to social justice and community engagement. The university's mission centers on developing educated citizens with the intellect, character, and skills to lead and serve society. Howard's academic ecosystem spans diverse disciplines including engineering, medicine (home to the first and oldest medical college at an HBCU), fine arts (Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts), communications, and business. The institution is particularly renowned for its STEM programs, humanities, and professional schools. As a federally chartered university with significant research capacity, Howard attracts exceptional faculty and students from across the globe, with notable alumni including Vice President Kamala Harris, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and author Toni Morrison. Beyond academics, Howard's vibrant campus culture is defined by traditions like the legendary Homecoming celebration—an institution that has drawn over 100,000 visitors annually for more than a century. The university cultivates an environment where historically marginalized perspectives are centered, creating a space where Black excellence is the norm rather than the exception. Howard's commitment to affordability and financial aid, along with its robust network of international programs and scholarships, makes it accessible to talented students regardless of socioeconomic background.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Universities
US News 2026
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $57,918
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
