34 Interesting Facts about Howard University

Dan March 14, 2023

Howard University is a private research university located in Washington D.C., United States. Founded in 1867, it is one of the oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the country. The university is named after General Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War hero who served as the Commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau, an agency that helped formerly enslaved people transition to freedom after the Civil War.

Howard University has a strong commitment to social justice and has played an important role in advancing civil rights and racial equality in the United States. Many prominent African American figures have graduated from Howard, including Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, and Toni Morrison, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist.

The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields, including business, law, medicine, and engineering. The university’s College of Medicine is particularly renowned for its focus on serving underrepresented communities and is ranked among the top medical schools for primary care.

Howard University is also known for its vibrant campus life, with over 200 student organizations and a strong tradition of Greek life. The university’s homecoming celebrations are among the most popular in the country and draw alumni from around the world to celebrate their connection to the institution.

To know more about Howard University, let’s take a look at these 34 interesting facts about Howard University.

1. Howard University was founded in 1867 and is one of the oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States.
2. The university is named after General Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War hero who served as the Commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau, an agency that helped formerly enslaved people transition to freedom after the Civil War.
3. Howard University is located in Washington, D.C. and is the only HBCU to be located in a major urban area.
4. The university has produced many notable alumni, including Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, and Toni Morrison, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist.
5. Howard University has a diverse student body, with students from over 70 countries.
6. The university has a strong commitment to social justice and has played an important role in advancing civil rights and racial equality in the United States.
7. Howard University is home to the Howard University Hospital, a teaching hospital that serves the Washington, D.C. community.
8. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields, including business, law, medicine, and engineering.
9. The university’s College of Medicine is particularly renowned for its focus on serving underrepresented communities and is ranked among the top medical schools for primary care.
10. Howard University is the alma mater of many prominent figures in politics, including Kamala Harris, the first woman and person of color to serve as Vice President of the United States.
11. The university has a strong tradition of Greek life, with over 20 fraternities and sororities on campus.
12. Howard University is home to the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, one of the largest repositories of African American history and culture in the world.
13. The university’s campus covers over 256 acres and includes more than 170 buildings.
14. Howard University is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and fields teams in 19 sports.
15. The university’s homecoming celebrations are among the most popular in the country and draw alumni from around the world to celebrate their connection to the institution.
16. The university has produced many notable musicians, including Duke Ellington and Roberta Flack.
17. Howard University was the first institution of higher education in Washington, D.C. to be accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
18. The university is home to the Howard University School of Law, one of the most prestigious law schools in the country.
19. Howard University has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
20. The university is home to the Howard University Gospel Choir, which has performed at the White House and the Kennedy Center.
21. Howard University has a number of international partnerships and collaborations, including programs in China, South Africa, and Ghana.
22. The university’s School of Business is ranked among the top business schools in the country.
23. Howard University is home to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention Training Center.
24. The university’s Bison STEM Scholars Program provides support and mentorship for underrepresented students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
25. Howard University is one of the top producers of African American undergraduate and graduate degree earners in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
26. The university is home to the Howard University School of Education, which is one of the oldest and most respected education schools in the country.
27. Howard University is home to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention Training Center.
28. The university’s Bison STEM Scholars Program provides support and mentorship for underrepresented students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
29. Howard University is one of the top producers of African American undergraduate and graduate degree earners in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
30. The university is home to the Howard University School of Education, which is one of the oldest and most respected education schools in the country.
31. Howard University is a member of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, which allows students to take courses at other institutions in the D.C. area.
32. The university has a rich athletic history and has produced many notable athletes, including former NBA star and current ESPN analyst Jalen Rose.
33. Howard University has a strong commitment to community service and has been recognized for its efforts to promote volunteerism and civic engagement.
34. The university’s campus has been the site of many important events in American history, including speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama.

Howard University is a historically black university that has a rich history and strong reputation for academic excellence. From its strong programs in STEM and education to its commitment to community service and social activism, Howard offers its students a unique and transformative educational experience. The university’s notable alumni and contributions to American history further demonstrate its important place in the nation’s higher education landscape. Today, Howard continues to attract and cultivate talented students from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference in the world.