Howard University is a private, research university in Washington, D.C. It is among the top 150 universities in the US and known mainly for its courses in STEM fields, and also for its medical college, and law school. Founded in 1867, Howard University offers degree programs in more than 120 fields. Howard is ranked as the top producer of African-American undergraduates who later earn science and engineering doctoral degrees by the National Science Foundation. 

The university is ranked as the 83 best national institute (in the US) by US News. The institute enrolls 8,000+ students every year and offers various courses in the fields of Business & Economics, Education, Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Technology, Life sciences, Computer science, Psychology, and more. QS Global World Ranking ranked it 651-700th in their global list 2022. Above all, The Times Higher Education has ranked it 251–300th in their World University Rankings for 2022, the highest among other agencies.

Howard University Ranking Highlights

  • #251–300 World University Rankings THE 2022
  • #109 US College Rankings THE 2022
  • #83 in National Universities (tie) by US News 2022
  • #22 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie) by US News 2022
  • #41 in Best Value Schools by US News 2022

Howard University Global Ranking

Howard University had variable ranking trends in the QS lists. QS’s ranking criteria include factors like academic reputation, employer reputation, citations, international faculty, and international students. The rankings have gone in the last three years.  As mentioned, the trends for rankings given by QS Top Universities reveal that the university had variable rankings for the past years. The data can be summarized as-

Year QS World University Ranking
2022 651-700th
2021 651-700th
2020 581-590th
2019 501-510th
2018 551-600th
2017 551-600th
2016 651-700th
2015 601-650th

The university is ranked as the 83th Best National University, the 50th in Best Colleges for Veterans, and the 22nd in Best Undergraduate Teaching in the US according to US News. The Times Higher Education has given the institute 251–300th spot in their 2022 list, the highest among major ranking agencies. And also the 60th Best in the US. CWUR gave Howard University a World Rank of 1103 and a National Rank of 239 in their 2021 lists.

Howard University National Ranking

Howards University ranks contrastingly in various reputed ranking lists. The US News ranked it 83th in its National Universities rankings. It is also the 2nd best in Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the US. QS gave it the national rank of 83rd in the US, mainly because of its great international and domestic outlook.

Times Higher Education ranked Howard University as the  107 in their US College Rankings for 2022. George Washington University, University of California, Santa Cruz, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, University of Iowa, and University of Massachusetts are some of its competitors in the US that have similar global and domestic rankings.

CWUR gave it a National Rank of 239, the lowest among all. So, Howard University ranking in the US according to reputed agencies can be given as-

  • Ranked 60th in Best Global Universities in the US by US News for 2021
  • Ranked 68th in the US Universities by QS for 2021
  • Ranked 60th in Times Higher Education’s Best Universities in the US for 2021

Howard University vs George Washington University

Also located in Washington D.C, George Washington University is also among the best universities in the US. Founded in 1821, It is a private university, having top-class facilities, rich history, and decent sports records. The institute is known for its STEM-related programs and courses. Although the faculties, outlook, and other facilities are neck-to-neck, George Washington University has very similar rankings on various lists but somewhat better overall rankings than Howard University.

The ranking trends and positions for both universities can be summarized as-

Rankings Howard University George Washington University
Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2022 251–300 201-250
US News’ National Universities 2022 83 63
Times Higher Education’s Best Universities the US 2022 109 72

Howard University Subject-wise Ranking

Howard University is known mainly for its STEM-related courses. The institute is known for its research excellence, great domestic and international environment, and top faculties and facilities. It’s Medical College and Law School are also renowned and thus known for their quality.

Most of the subjects taught at the institution are ranked among the best 500 globally.

Subject wise ranking data is not made available by any major agency. QS has only ranked its Medicine as 501-550th best in the world.

Howard University Miscellaneous Rankings

The university also has the following miscellaneous rankings-

  • #83 in National Universities by US News 2022
  • #22 in Best Undergraduate Teaching  by US News 2022
  • #41 in Best Value Schools  by US News 2022
  • #40 in Most Innovative Schools  by US News 2022
  • #15 in Top Performers on Social Mobility  by US News 2022 
  • #2 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities  by US News 2022

Howard University has one of the best STEM-related faculty and education in the US. Its research excellence and one of the best environments for domestic and international students in the US makes it a great choice to start or pursue higher academics. Ranked 2nd in Historically Black Colleges and Universities rankings according to US News, it is also the 31st best college for undergraduate teaching. Howard University ranks among the top 100 National Universities in various reputed lists.