“
Historic” doesn't even begin to describe
Howard University. One of the top schools in Washington D.C., the fact that it's located in the American capital alone already makes it a prominent academic institution. It's also one of the finest historically black universities in the country, having been one of the first to cater to the African-American community specifically. Over time, Howard University grew even more prestigious, especially with the caliber of its most prolific graduates. US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Vice President Kamala Harris, the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, and late actor Chadwick Boseman are just some of the biggest names who studied here.
Source: Howard University Facebook Page
History of Howard University
Howard University was established shortly after the end of the American Civil War. Around this time, many African Americans were freed from slavery resulting in a need for an academic institution for them. General Oliver Otis Howard, a Civil War hero and the commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau at the time, founded the university in
Washington D.C. on March 2, 1867. He also served as the president of the university from 1869 to 1874. Much of its early funding came from private benefactors, which further proved that the school was something many people knew was needed and necessary.
What Does Howard University Look Like?
Howard University is located in Shaw, one of the
central Washington D.C. neighborhoods. Many refer to it as 'The Mecca' in Northwest D.C., since the entire campus has over 256 acres in total. As it expanded over time, the school came to include various historic landmarks in the city. This includes the iconic Founders Library, for example, which has been declared a National Historic Landmark. There's also the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel and the Fredrik Douglas Memorial Hall. Additionally, Howard University also has over eight residence halls, including Drew Hall, College Hall North, the Harriet Tubam Quadrangle, Cook Hall, the Bethune Annex, Paza Towers West, College Hall South, The Axis, Mazza Grandmarc, WISH-Woodley Park, and Plaza Towers East.
Source: Howard University Facebook Page
The Howard University Student Body
Despite how famous and historic it is, Howard University is far from the biggest university in Washington D.C. and the surrounding states. Today, it only welcomes over 12,000 students per year, composed of both new enrollees and those returning who have yet to graduate. To break it down even further, the school has about 8,900 undergraduates and over 3,100 postgraduates. As a historically black college, it's no surprise that African-American students make up over 76% of the entire student body. The remaining demographics include 7% Hispanic students, 4% Asian students, and 1% White students. Moreover, international students also make up about 5% of the entire student body.
Howard University's Best Programs and Courses
Howard University's academic programs are as diverse as its students. Its most popular courses range from Political Science and Government to Biological Sciences and Psychology. The school has even garnered a reputation as one of the finest medical schools for Black students in the country. It's right up there with George Washington University, another of the top schools in Washington D.C. that's known for its medical school. All in all, Howard University serves as one of the best academic institutions where Black Americans can study and excel in various fields.
Source: Howard University Facebook Page
Howard University’s Prerequisites
Howard University requires an applicant to have a well-balanced college preparatory program, especially for its undergraduates. This includes 4 years in English, 3 years in Mathematics, and 2 years in Social Sciences, Sciences, and Foreign Languages respectively. For postgraduates, you'll need at least a Bachelor's Degree in any related field just to qualify to apply. There are also standardized test scores. Howard University requires its applicants to have at least a minimum GP score of 3.66 and an SAT/ACT score of 1190 and 24. Having taken IB or AP courses and writing a supplemental essay could also boost an application.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at Howard University?
It's safe to say that Howard University is an expensive school. Its tuition fees alone already cost about $32,878.00 per year. While it's far from the most expensive in any school in Washington D.C., it's still pretty costly, even more so when you consider how high the
living costs in Washington D.C. are. On top of that, there are other costs to pay too. Mandatory fees add up to around $466.00 per student, housing costs about $10,570.00 per year, and meal plans typically cost $5,905.00 per year. Additionally, books & supplies can total $1,360.00 per student, and transportation costs can add up to almost $1,091.00.
Source: Howard University Facebook Page
Where is Howard University in Washington D.C.?
As already mentioned, Howard University is in the Shaw neighborhood of the American capital. Much like the school, the area is a historically African-American area, complete with various hotspots where prominent early 20th-century Black artists performed. Today, it's now one of the hippest enclaves in Washington D.C., dominated by indie bars, cool cafes, and the jazz clubs that reign supreme before World War II. It's also a largely residential neighborhood, boasting some of the finest
luxury homes in Washington D.C. for rent or purchase. So it's easy enough to live near the school without staying in its residence halls.
Howard University's Famous Graduates
Howard University arguably boasts the most impressive alumni list of any historically black college out there. From politics to entertainment, the school has produced countless prominent figures in various fields. Among the most famous is Kamala Harris, the 19th Vice President of the United States and the first woman and person of color to ever hold the office. Former US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall also graduated here, the first African-American to ever become a Justice. In entertainment, actors Chadwick Boseman, Taraji P. Henson, Roxie Roker, Anthony Anderson, and Phylicia Rashad all graduated here.
Source: Howard University Facebook Page
Even beyond its status as one of the best historically black colleges in the country, Howard University is also one of the finest higher educational schools in Washington D.C., the American capital. It’s one of the most historic and most prestigious universities out there.
