Students and faculty at Howard University working collaboratively on research projects.
Washington, D.C., July 31, 2025
Howard University has made history by becoming the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to achieve the Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification. This significant recognition highlights the university’s commitment to research excellence and places it among the elite institutions in the United States. In the most recent fiscal period, Howard reported nearly $85 million in research expenditures and awarded 96 doctorates, showcasing its dedication to academic achievement and innovation within higher education.
Howard University has made history by becoming the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to earn the Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification. This prestigious designation highlights the institution’s commitment to research excellence, recognizing its “very high research spending and doctorate production.” Fewer than 150 universities across the United States hold this esteemed status, reflecting a noteworthy accomplishment in the realm of higher education.
The announcement was made by the American Council of Education (ACE) on Thursday. To qualify for the R1 status, universities must meet rigorous benchmarks, including annual research expenditures of at least $50 million and the successful production of at least 70 research doctorates. In the Fiscal Year 2023, Howard recorded nearly $85 million in research expenditures and awarded 96 doctorates across various fields during the evaluation period. This figure positions Howard at the forefront of HBCUs by granting the highest number of doctorates to Black students among all colleges and universities in the United States.
Howard’s attainment of the R1 status underscores its dedication to academic excellence and represents significant progress for HBCUs within the context of American higher education. According to senior vice president for research at Howard, the university exceeded the fundamental criteria required for R1 classification, showcasing its productive research agenda.
This designation is expected to enhance Howard’s ability to attract competitive research grants and talented faculty and students. The university has established a number of notable research entities, including one of the 15 U.S. Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Centers, focusing on tactical autonomy and artificial intelligence. Additionally, Howard boasts the Center for Sickle Cell Disease, recognized as the first center nationally dedicated to studying and treating the illness.
Moreover, the university’s Cancer Center is unique as the only facility providing comprehensive cancer treatment services within an HBCU framework. Howard’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center hosts the largest repository centered on the global Black experience in the nation, and its Center for African Studies holds the distinction of being the only comprehensive National Resource Center at an HBCU as designated by the U.S. Department of Education.
The strides made by Howard University in achieving the R1 status serve as a model for other HBCUs aspiring for similar recognition. Experts advocate that Howard’s accomplishments will not only expand its own influence within American higher education but will also inspire and facilitate advancements in scientific research at other HBCUs.
In conclusion, Howard’s achievement of the R1 Carnegie Classification represents a landmark moment for the institution. It articulates the university’s unwavering commitment to tackling significant societal questions through innovative research and positions Howard as a leader and role model in the academic landscape.
The R1 Carnegie Classification designates universities that demonstrate “very high research spending and doctorate production.” It recognizes institutions that meet stringent benchmarks, including significant research expenditures and doctorate awards.
Howard University is noteworthy for being the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to earn the R1 classification. This accomplishment highlights its commitment to research excellence and its role as a leader in higher education.
In Fiscal Year 2023, Howard University reported research expenditures of nearly $85 million.
During the evaluation period, Howard University awarded 96 doctorates across various fields.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| R1 Classification | First HBCU to receive R1 status, indicating high research activity |
| Research Expenditure | Nearly $85 million in FY 2023 |
| Doctorates Awarded | 96 across various fields |
| Significance | First in the nation for HBCUs in awarding doctorates to Black students |
| Research Centers | Includes Center for Sickle Cell Disease and Cancer Center |
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