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Howard University Achieves Prestigious R1 Research Status

Howard University campus promotes research activities among students

News Summary

Howard University has officially earned the Research 1 (R1) designation from the American Council on Education, becoming the only HBCU to achieve this status. This recognition reflects its strong commitment to research and development, with $85 million in research funding and 96 awarded doctoral degrees in 2023. The R1 designation highlights institutions that demonstrate the highest levels of research activity, solidifying Howard’s place among elite universities and potentially opening doors for increased opportunities for its students and other HBCUs.

Washington, D.C. Celebrates Howard University’s R1 Research Status

Big news out of Washington, D.C! Howard University, a prominent historically Black college, has officially earned the Research 1 (R1) designation from the American Council on Education. This fantastic achievement makes Howard the only HBCU (Historically Black College or University) to receive this prestigious status, showcasing its commitment to research and development.

What’s All the Ruckus About R1 Status?

The R1 designation is granted to universities that demonstrate the highest levels of research activity. In simple terms, it’s a way to recognize institutions that are making significant contributions to knowledge and innovation. Howard’s recent honor is particularly sweet—only 187 institutions in the entire country can bask in this R1 glory!

As of 2025, these designations have surged by a whopping 28% compared to the previous list released in 2022. And while other colleges may have moved up the ranks, Howard’s remarkable journey is genuinely groundbreaking. In fact, it’s worth noting that other R1 honorees have an average research expenditure of around $748.4 million and typically award about 297 doctorates each year between 2021 and 2023.

How Did Howard Make It?

To obtain that coveted R1 label under the new classification criteria, universities need to meet specific benchmarks: they must spend, on average, at least $50 million annually on research and development while awarding at least 70 research doctorates. Howard absolutely smashed those requirements in 2023, reporting approximately $85 million in research funding and awarding 96 doctoral degrees. Notably, this includes the highest number of doctorates awarded to African American students in the nation.

Spotlight on Other Institutions

32 other institutions moved from R2 (the second tier of research activity) to the R1 category. Universities like the University of Idaho and the University of Vermont are also stepping into the limelight. However, not every institution was as lucky—sadly, the University of Alabama in Huntsville was demoted from R1 to R2.

State Rankings & New Designations

When it comes to R1 institutions, Texas leads the pack with 16 schools, followed closely by California with 14, and New York with 12. There’s more good news! This year has seen the introduction of a new category—the Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) designation. This recognizes institutions that conduct research without handing out doctoral degrees, with 215 institutions earning RCU status this year.

The Bigger Picture for HBCUs

Howard University’s impressive achievement opens the door for increased opportunities, not just for its students but for other HBCUs looking to boost their research and academic standing. Institutions such as North Carolina A&T State University and Morgan State University are also catching the research wave and are making strides toward possibly reaching R1 status in the future.

The Future Looks Bright

Howard’s President has pointed out that this R1 designation is a clear demonstration of the institution’s research capacity and its commitment to tackling vital societal issues. With an esteemed Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) and the nation’s first Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Howard is not just joining the ranks of elite research universities but is crafting a path for others to follow.

This is an exciting time for Howard University and a proud moment for the entire HBCU community. With a spotlight shining on its advancements, everyone is eager to see how this will inspire a new wave of research aspirations across the nation!