Howard University

Howard's reputation as an academic powerhouse is built on a legacy of producing leaders in critical fields. While offering a broad range of disciplines, the university flexes its muscles most impressively in areas that have historically broken barriers. It is one of the nation's leading institutions for producing African American applicants to U.S. medical schools, thanks to its esteemed College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, and College of Pharmacy. In the world of STEM, Howard is a giant, graduating more Black students who go on to earn science and engineering doctoral degrees than almost any other university. Its College of Engineering and Architecture is particularly renowned. Beyond the sciences, Howard's influence is undeniable.

• The Cathy Hughes School of Communications is a factory for media trailblazers, with alumni shaping journalism, film, and public relations.

• Located in the nation's capital, its Political Science and Law programs are top-tier, offering students a front-row seat to American politics and governance.

• The School of Business consistently produces leaders in the corporate world, leveraging its D.C. connections for unparalleled opportunities. As an R2 research institution, Howard is also a hub for critical inquiry, with research centers dedicated to tackling issues like sickle cell disease, health disparities, and urban development, cementing its role as a university committed to "Excellence in Truth and Service."

A Howard degree is a powerful launchpad for a successful career, and its strategic advantages are twofold: its location and its legendary alumni network. Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., the university offers students direct access to a world of professional opportunities. Internships aren't just a possibility; they're a core part of the Howard experience. Students can be found interning on Capitol Hill, in the White House, at federal agencies like the NIH and NASA, at major media outlets, and within the headquarters of international non-profits and Fortune 500 companies. The true superpower, however, is the Howard alumni network. It is a global, fiercely loyal, and incredibly influential community. When you graduate from Howard, you gain access to a network of "Bison" who are leaders in every conceivable field—from Vice President Kamala Harris in politics to the late Chadwick Boseman in the arts. This network is known for actively looking out for its own, providing mentorship, opening doors, and creating pipelines for new graduates. The university's Center for Career and Professional Success bridges this gap, hosting massive career fairs where top-tier companies like Google, Goldman Sachs, and Deloitte come specifically to recruit Howard talent.

Students choose and love Howard for an experience that transcends a typical college education. It's about being immersed in an environment that is both academically challenging and culturally affirming. For many, it's the first time they are in an academic space where Black identity is not the exception but the norm, celebrated in the curriculum, in campus traditions, and in everyday interactions. This fosters a unique sense of confidence, belonging, and empowerment that students carry with them long after graduation. The D.C. location is another major draw. The city is an extension of the campus, providing a vibrant backdrop for both learning and living. Students have the world at their fingertips:

• Free access to the Smithsonian museums and national monuments.

• A dynamic food scene and diverse neighborhoods to explore.

• The constant buzz of being at the center of national and international events. Ultimately, students love Howard because it means becoming part of a profound legacy. Walking the same paths as Thurgood Marshall, Zora Neale Hurston, and Stokely Carmichael instills an immense sense of pride and purpose. It's a transformative journey that equips them not just with a degree, but with a powerful identity and a lifelong community.