Howard University
Historically Black Research University - Washington, D.C.
School Overview
Howard University is a private, federally chartered Historically Black University located in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1867, Howard is recognized as one of the nation's most prestigious HBCUs and a leading producer of Black professionals in medicine, law, STEM, business, and the arts.
With a mission centered on truth and service, Howard offers over 140 academic programs and continues to shape leaders who drive social change on a global scale.
Fast Facts
| Founded | 1867 |
|---|---|
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Institution Type | Private HBCU |
| Enrollment | ~13,000 students |
| Popular Majors | Biology, Political Science, Nursing, Psychology, Business |
| Acceptance Rate | ~35% |
| Mascot | Bison |
| Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| FAFSA Code | 001448 |
| Athletics | NCAA Division I — Northeastern Conference |
Data reflects publicly available information and may vary by source or academic year.
Institutional Heritage
History & Legacy of Howard University
Howard University was founded shortly after the Civil War to provide educational access to newly freed African Americans. Over 150+ years, Howard has:
- Become a flagship institution among HBCUs
- Played a major role in the civil rights movement
- Trained many of the nation's top Black professionals
- Led groundbreaking research in health, law, and public policy
- Served as a center for political activism and academic excellence
Howard's legacy continues to be rooted in leadership, equity, and service.
Academic Excellence
Academic Programs & Areas of Study
Howard University offers nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that prepare students for leadership across diverse industries.
Top Areas of Academic Strength:
- College of Medicine
- School of Law
- College of Engineering & Architecture
- School of Business
- College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences
- College of Fine Arts
With more than 140 programs across 14 schools and colleges, Howard combines academic rigor with experiential learning and a mission-driven educational approach.
Affordability & Access
Financial Aid Options
Howard University offers a comprehensive range of financial aid resources designed to make higher education accessible to students from diverse financial backgrounds. Through a combination of federal, state, and institutional support, students can explore multiple pathways to help offset the cost of tuition and related expenses.
Available aid includes merit-based scholarships for students demonstrating exceptional academic performance, need-based assistance for those requiring financial support, and work-study programs that provide part-time employment opportunities. Howard also participates in federal and state grant programs and offers athletic scholarships for eligible student-athletes.
These financial aid options reflect Howard’s mission to support student success and ensure that cost does not stand in the way of academic achievement and professional growth.
Admissions & Application Requirements
Howard's admissions process is selective and holistic. The university evaluates academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, leadership, and community service.
Standard Admissions Criteria
- GPA: Competitive applicants often have a 3.5+
- Test Policy: Test-optional for most programs
- Application: Common App
- Required Materials: Transcript, letters of recommendation, personal statement
Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarship Opportunities
~$30,000
Annual Tuition
~ $15,000
Room & Board
~$50,000+
Total Cost of Attendance
WFF Support for Howard University Students
The Williams-Franklin Foundation supports Howard University students through academic scholarships, mentorship opportunities, career-development support, and financial literacy resources.
Scholarships
Mentorship
Career Support
Financial Literacy
Notable Alumni
Howard has produced some of the most influential leaders across industries
Kamala Harris
Vice President of the United States
First woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to serve as Vice President
Thurgood Marshall
U.S. Supreme Court Justice
First African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Debbie Allen
Actress & Producer
Emmy-winning actress, choreographer, and director
Chadwick Boseman
Actor
Award-winning actor known for Black Panther and cultural impact
Toni Morrison
Author
Nobel Prize-winning author and literary icon
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Journalist & Author
Acclaimed writer and cultural commentator
Campus Life, Community & Student Experience
Student Life
Campus Life & Student Experience
Campus life at Howard combines academic excellence with dynamic social, cultural, and leadership-driven opportunities.
- Student Organizations: More than 200 student groups, including Greek life, media teams, service organizations, and cultural clubs.
- Traditions: Annual celebrations such as the world-famous Howard Homecoming and culturally significant campus events.
- Location Benefits: Access to Smithsonian museums, government internships, national organizations, and unmatched networking opportunities in Washington, D.C.
Community & Belonging
Student Organizations & Campus Traditions
Howard University fosters a vibrant student community filled with opportunities for involvement, leadership, and connection.
- Student Organizations: Over 200 student groups including Greek life, media organizations, service clubs, and cultural associations.
- Traditions: Annual celebrations such as the world-famous Howard Homecoming and a variety of culturally significant campus events.
These experiences shape a strong sense of belonging and help students develop lifelong networks and leadership skills.
Location Advantage
Living & Learning in Washington, D.C.
Howard’s location in the heart of Washington, D.C. offers students unparalleled access to cultural institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and national events that enrich their academic and professional journeys.
From Smithsonian museums and historic neighborhoods to policy centers and global organizations, the city becomes an extension of the classroom—providing students with hands-on learning, meaningful networking opportunities, and an environment that encourages engagement with the world around them.
WFF Scholars at Howard University
Meet some of the amazing students we've supported at Howard University
Alysia-Renee Surrell
2025-2026
WFF Scholar
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Alysia-Renee Surrell, expected class of 2028, is from Stockton, California. She is studying Legal Communications at Howard University. In su...
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Ashley Anderson
2025-2026
WFF Scholar
Washington Gas Lighting Company
Ashley Anderson, expected class of 2026, is from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Ashley is studying Communications/Media/Broadcast Journalism with...
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Jaelyn Miri-Tatem
2025-2026
WFF Scholar
Black Nurse Collaborative
Jaelyn Miri-Tatem, expected class of 2028, is from Camden, NJ. She is studying Nursing at Howard University. In the summer of 2025, she inte...
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Chanae Davis
2025-2026
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
WFF Scholar
Chanae Davis, expected class of 2027, is from Elkton, Maryland. She is studying Chemistry at Howard University. In the summer of 2025, she i...
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Jaylah Dorman
2024-2025
Returning WFF Scholar Jaylah Dorman, expected class of 2025, is from Durham, North Carolina. Jaylah is studying Health Education| Community ...
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Joshua Wallington
2022-2023
Returning WFF Scholar Joshua Wallington, expected class of 2025, is from Troy, Michigan. Joshua is studying Computer Science at Howard Unive...
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Chelsea Beauford
2024-2025
Wally Welker Scholarship Program Fund
Chelsea Beauford, expected class of May 2025, is from Lithonia, Georgia. She is studying Clinical Laboratory Science at Howard University. T...
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Lindsey Marie Uy
2024-2025
Wally Welker Scholarship Program Fund
Lindsey Marie Uy, expected class of May 2025, is from Bowie, Maryland. She is studying Clinical Laboratory Science at Howard University. In ...
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Nia Hill
2018-2019
Nia Hill, expected class of 2020, is from Chicago, Illinois. She is majoring in accounting with a minor in Sociology at Howard University, t...
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Kianna Hawkins
2018-2019
Kianna Hawkins, expected class of 2020, is studying supply chain management at Howard University, an institution with 13 schools and college...
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Kamryn Tillman
2018-2019
Kamryn Tillman, expected class of 2020, is majoring in Chemical Engineering at Howard University, which has one of the top business colleges...
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Olivia Aiken
2019-2020
Olivia Aiken, expected class of 2020, is majoring in business administration and accounting at Howard University. Olivia has traveled across...
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Noah Nicholas
2018-2019
Returning awardee Noah Nicholas, expected class of 2020, is from Stone Mountain, Georgia and will graduate from Howard University, a high re...
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Jemiah Williams
2019-2020
Jemiah Williams, expected class of 2021, is from Arlington, Texas. Jemiah will graduate from Howard University, a Tier 1 national university...
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Zuri Godfrey
2018-2019
Returning awardee Zuri Godfrey, expected class of 2021, is originally from Hampton, Virginia. He is studying Business Management at Howard U...
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Brittany Davis
2020-2021
Brittany Davis, expected class of 2021, is originally from Brooklyn, New York. Brittany is studying Acting at Howard University. She has ser...
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Indigo Passariello
2020-2021
Indigo Passariello, expected class of 2021, is originally from Scarsdale, New York studying Jazz at Howard University. Indigo is an independ...
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Abrianna Canyon
2020-2021
Abrianna Canyon, expected class of 2023, is originally from Los Angeles, California. She is studying Marketing at Howard University, where s...
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Virgil Parker
2020-2021
Virgil Parker, expected class of 2021, is originally from Rochester, New York. Virgil is studying Journalism at Howard University. Virgil ha...
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Khristina Cassanova
2020-2021
Khristina Cassanova, expected class of 2021, is originally from Montclair, New Jersey. She is studying Nutritional Science at Howard Univers...
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Jenai Frenette
2018-2019
Returning awardee Jenai Frenette, expected class of 2021, is originally from Waterbury, Connecticut. She is a Nursing major at Howard Univer...
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Cameron Kee
2020-2021
Cameron Kee, expected class of 2022, is originally from Lawnside, New Jersey. He is studying Supply Chain Management at Howard University. C...
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Eryka Anabell Clarke
2020-2021
Returning Awardee Eryka Anabell, expected class of 2023, is from Queens, New York. Eryka Anabell is an Honors Political Science student at H...
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Janiya Brooks
2020-2021
Returning Awardee Janiya Brooks, expected class of 2023, is from Capitol Heights, Maryland. Janiya is studying Biology at Howard University....
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Taylor Owens
2021-2022
Taylor Owens, expected class of 2023, is from Baltimore, Maryland. Taylor studies Health Management at Howard University. Within the College...
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D’nai Thomas
2020-2021
Returning Awardee D’nai Thomas, expected class of 2022, is from Atlanta, Georgia. D’nai is studying Clinical Laboratory Science at Howard Un...
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Serina McMillian
2020-2021
Returning Awardee Serina McMillian, expected class of 2023, is from Sacramento, California. Serina is studying Psychology at Howard Universi...
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Gabriella Forchion
2020-2021
Returning Awardee Gabriella Forchion, expected class of 2021, is from Clayton, New Jersey. Gabriella is studying Biology at Howard Universit...
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A’Maiya Allen
2021-2022
A’Maiya Allen, expected class of 2022, is from Bolingbrook, Illinois. A’Maiya is a Public Relations student at Howard University. A’Maiya is...
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Jayden Rush
2021-2022
Jayden Rush, expected class of 2022, is from Charlotte, North Carolina. Jayden is a Strategic, Legal, and Management Communications student ...
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Kelsey Johnson
2020-2021
Returning Awardee Kelsey Johnson, expected class of 2022, is from Mesa, Arizona. She is studying Strategic, Legal, and Management Communicat...
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Laten Jordan
2021-2022
Returning Awardee Laten Jordan, class of 2023, is from Columbus, Ohio. He is studying Honors Political Science (Pre-Law) at Howard Universit...
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Khloe Kelley
2022-2023
Khloe Kelley, expected class of 2025, is from Henderson, Nevada. Khloe is studying Biology at Howard University. In the summer of 2022, Khlo...
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Jaden Petrus
2021-2022
Washington Gas Lighting Company
Returning Awardee Jaden Petrus, expected class of 2023, is from Brooklyn, New York. Jaden is a Nursing student at Howard University. In the ...
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Wisdom Talley
2022-2023
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Honorable Louis Stokes HBCU Scholarship
Returning Awardee Wisdom Talley, expected class of 2024, is from Elon, North Carolina. She is studying Nursing at Howard University, where s...
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Tye Compton
2023-2024
Tye Compton, expected class of 2024, is from Cincinnati, Ohio. He is studying Political Science at Howard University. In the summer of 2023,...
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Jordan Alexander
2022-2023
Returning awardee Jordan Alexander, expected class of 2024, is from Detroit, Michigan. Jordan is studying Nutritional Science at Howard Univ...
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Jessikah Tassin
2023-2024
Returning awardee Jessikah Tassin, expected class of 2024, is from Dallas, Texas. Jessikah is studying Political Science at Howard Universit...
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Charis Haynes
2023-2024
Charis Haynes, expected class of 2024, is from Covington, Georgia. Charis is studying Honors Biology, Political Science at Howard University...
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Myah Yancey
2023-2024
Myah Yancey, expected class of 2026, is from Suffolk, Virginia. Myah is studying Theatre Arts and Dance at Howard University. In the summer ...
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Déja Daniel
2021-2022
Honorable Louis Stokes HBCU Scholarship
Returning awardee, Déja Daniel is the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Honorable Louis Stokes HBCU Scholarship, annually awarded to the hig...
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Amber Quinney
2015-2018
Howard University and Canisius College Wehle School of Business B.S. Marketing Candidate '18 Receiving the Williams-Franklin Foundation Sch...
View ProfileFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Howard is one of the nation’s most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Nursing, Political Science, Biology, Fine Arts, Business, Law, and Engineering.
With an acceptance rate around 35%, it is considered selective.
Yes — competitive merit and need-based awards exist, though they are limited.
Most admitted students have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Ready to Apply?
Students attending Howard University are eligible to apply for WFF scholarships annually.
Questions? Contact us for more information.