Howard University Washington, D.C

Howard University Washington, D.C

Howard University was chartered by Congress on March 2, 1867, growing out of a proposal in December 1866 by Washington Congregationalists for the Howard Normal and Theological Institute to train teachers and preachers. It was named for General Oliver Otis Howard, head of the Freedmen's Bureau, which sent it more than $500,000 between 1867 and 1872. The Normal Department opened May 1, 1867 with four students, and the medical department followed on April 16, 1868. Howard started the first Black law school in the nation two years after its founding, and Charlotte Ray was among its early graduates in 1872. It is private, governed by a privately selected board, and the only HBCU chartered as a university by Congress. Data USA reports 14,890 students in 2024. Acceptance runs about 41 percent per the College Board and Niche, from roughly 34,211 applicants, though Data USA shows 34.9 percent for 2023.

Key facts

• Founded: 1867
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Type: Private federally chartered HBCU
• Enrollment: 14,890 (2024, Data USA)
• Known for: First Black law school; only HBCU chartered by Congress