Howard University has once again achieved the coveted R1 Carnegie Classification, marking a significant milestone in its academic and research journey. This designation, which indicates a university's high level of research activity, is considered the highest research activity classification among colleges and universities in the United States.
Howard University first received R1 status in 1987, but lost it in 2005 due to changes in the Carnegie Classification’s requirements. However, in 2025, Howard successfully met the revised R1 criteria, regaining this prestigious status.
"Howard's achievement of R1 status demonstrates our research capacity and reaffirms our deep commitment to tackling society’s most pressing questions through cutting-edge scholarship and technological innovation," said Howard University President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D. "As a leader in the evolution of next generation HBCUs, we are dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of discovery and progress reach all communities, including those historically overlooked and underrepresented. Through pioneering solutions and the strategic use of emerging technologies, we are shaping a future where knowledge drives inclusive prosperity and lasting impact."
Howard University, which has a medical school, dental school, and law school, is the only historically Black college or university (HBCU) to achieve the R1 designation, underscoring its unique position in the academic and research landscape.
“Howard’s track-record of research prowess and success are evident in the numbers,” said Bruce A. Jones, Ph.D., senior vice president for research at Howard U. “In Fiscal Year 2023, the most recent evaluation year in the classification cycle, the University’s productivity was significantly higher than the R1 base criteria, recording just under $85 million in research expenditures and awarding 96 doctorates in an array of fields, including the most doctorates awarded to Black students at any college or university in America.”
Howard ’s research initiatives employ a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to solve complex challenges, leveraging technological innovation and thought leadership to develop novel solutions to both emerging and longstanding societal problems.
This achievement not only highlights the university's dedication to academic excellence and research innovation but also its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment. As Howard University continues to build on its legacy, it remains poised to make significant contributions to the global research community and address the most pressing issues of our time.