Howard University Admissions: Contact Information and Application Guide

Howard University, a distinguished Research One (R1) Carnegie research institution located in Washington, D.C., has been shaping leaders since 1867. With a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence, Howard offers over 120 programs across 14 schools and colleges. This article provides comprehensive information about Howard University admissions, including contact details, application requirements, and important deadlines.

Howard University: An Overview

Founded in 1867, Howard University has a legacy of producing influential leaders in various fields. Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., Howard provides students with unparalleled access to internships and career opportunities in government, nonprofits, tech, finance, healthcare, media, and more. The university has granted over 130,000 degrees in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Notable Howard graduates include Vice President Kamala Harris, Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, Chadwick Boseman, Taraji P. Henson, and Zora Neale Hurston.

Howard University is consistently ranked as the No. 1 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) by Forbes and is among the Top 100 national universities. Its strategic location in the nation’s capital places it at the nexus of significant spheres of influence, including government, health, technology, economies, and the arts. This positioning offers unique opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and impact.

The university's motto, "Veritas et Utilitas" - Truth and Service, encapsulates its dedication to academic excellence and service to the community.

Contacting Howard University Admissions

To connect with Howard University and learn more about its programs and admissions process, consider the following options:

Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard

On-Campus Tours

Visit the campus to experience the energy of Howard University firsthand. You can tour the facilities and walk across The Yard.

Virtual Visits

Explore Howard University from anywhere in the world through interactive virtual tours and live information sessions.

Online Application Portals

Apply online through the Undergraduate, Graduate, or Transfer Admissions portals.

Applying to Howard University

Howard University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in more than 120 areas. The university seeks students who demonstrate strong personal motivation and consistent academic growth.

First-Time in College (FTIC) Students

A First Time in College (FTIC) student is one who has never been admitted to a degree program at Howard University or any other post-secondary institution of higher education. This category includes dual enrollment students who have not yet graduated from high school.

Application Options

FTIC applicants can apply through Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), or Regular Decision (RD).

Early Decision (ED)

Early Decision is a binding admission plan for students whose first choice is Howard University. ED applicants may apply to other colleges but must withdraw all other applications if admitted to Howard. However, ED applicants seeking financial aid need not withdraw other applications until they receive notification about financial aid.

Early Action (EA)

Early Action allows high-achieving students to receive their admission decision early in the admissions process. Scholarships are also awarded at this time for all accepted Early Action & Early Decision applicants that meet the specific requirements.

Regular Decision (RD)

Regular Decision is a non-binding admission plan.

Application Requirements

Generally, applicants should submit the following:

Transcripts
Test scores (if required)
Recommendation letters
A completed application

For the 2026-27 admission cycle, SAT/ACT test scores are not required to render a first-year admission application complete. Students who do not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage in the admission process. This policy extends to the Karsh STEM program, but not to joint degree programs (e.g. BS/MD, BS/DDS, BA/JD).

Application Fee

A non-refundable $45 application fee is charged as part of the Common Application process. Payment is made via Common App (personal checks are not accepted). The Office of Admission does not issue fee waivers, but will accept the Common App fee waiver if paying the application fee may cause you and your family to face unusual financial hardship.

Test Scores

For students who elect to submit SAT (school code - 5297) or ACT scores (school code - 0674), only official scores submitted via the testing agency will be considered. The essay section is not required for the SAT/ACT exam. Howard does not super-score the ACT exam.

October is the last test date that will be considered for early action & early decision applicants.
December is the last test date that will be considered for regular decision applicants.

Letters of Recommendation

Howard University requires two letters of recommendation for admission consideration. One letter of recommendation from a high school counselor submitted by your counselor via Common App/Naviance (highly preferred) is required.

Essays

As part of the Common Application, students must submit the main Common Application essay. In addition to the main essay, Howard University has one optional essay. Essays provide the admissions committee with a chance to learn more about the applicant, including their passions, goals, and general interest in Howard University.

Application Deadlines

November 1: Early Action and Early Decision applicants
November 1: Theatre Arts performance majors (Acting, Dance & Musical Theatre)
February 1: Regular Decision applicants

Once an application has been submitted, changes cannot be made.

Fine Arts Portfolio/Audition Requirements

Applicants to specific Fine Arts programs have additional requirements:

Art

Prospective Studio Art majors must submit a slide portfolio of 12-15 images and videos of original creative works via Slideroom.com.

Theatre Arts

Prospective performance Theatre Arts majors (Acting, Dance, and Musical Theatre) must submit a recorded audition and participate in a live audition. All Theatre Arts applicants to performance majors must submit their application for admission by November 1 via the Common App.

All non-performance majors (Theatre Arts Administration & Theatre Technology) may also submit an application by February 1 Regular Decision deadline.

Music

All prospective Music majors must present a successful voice or instrument audition, which is scheduled by appointment only. DVDs or CDs will be accepted from applicants who are unable to audition in-person.

Architecture & Design Studies

All prospective Architecture & Design Studies applicants must submit a portfolio of creative works via Slideroom.com. The portfolio should include a minimum of one and a maximum of three examples of creative expression in graphic, written, or audiovisual form.

NOTE: Students who apply to the above programs are granted conditional admission into Howard University pending their portfolio/audition results. To gain full admission, students must complete and receive a favorable decision from the respective Fine Arts department. Students who have not been admitted into the above programs at the department level may choose an alternate major if granted admission into the university. As such, we do implore all prospective fine arts students to give deep consideration to their second major preference.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Howard awards a range of merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and specialized funding opportunities for high-achieving students.

Domestic students must also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for institutional scholarships and federal financial assistance. For DACA students, please complete the International Student Financial Aid Application.

Scholarship awards take into consideration students' need and merit achievements. Students who do not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage in the awarding process.

Campus Life

Howard offers on-campus housing, apartment-style living, and nearby housing partnerships. First-year students are typically guaranteed housing.

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