WASHINGTON—Howard University has been named one of U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-26 “Best Global Universities,” a comprehensive survey of 2,250 leading institutions spanning more than 100 countries. This prestigious recognition highlights Howard as the leading historically Black college and university (HBCU) globally and reaffirms its expanding influence in international research and education.

The “Best Global Universities” rankings evaluate institutions based on critical metrics including academic research performance, global and regional reputations, and international collaborations across more than 100 countries. Howard’s inclusion underscores its substantial contributions to scholarly research and innovation, reflecting the University's commitment to addressing global challenges, particularly those impacting marginalized communities.

Howard emerges on this list just months after the University reclaimed the coveted Research One (R1) classification from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the first and only HBCU ever to do so. Together these milestones underscore a period of rapid momentum marked by record research expenditures, new interdisciplinary centers, and expanding partnerships across the African diaspora.

“Earning recognition alongside the world’s premier universities affirms that when Howard’s legacy of excellence meets our relentless pursuit of impact, the results resonate far beyond our campus,” said University president Ben Vinson III, Ph.D. “Our return to R1 status and today’s global honor signal that ‘Howard at Maximum Strength’ is more than an aspiration. It is a lived reality that propels our scholars to solve society’s most pressing challenges.”

The University’s recognition also reflects accelerated growth in key disciplines such as health sciences, engineering, and the social sciences, areas where Howard researchers are pioneering solutions for communities of color worldwide. Howard’s ongoing investments in infrastructure and strategic research initiatives further position its faculty and students at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries.

"We are honored to be listed as one of USNWR’s Best Global Universities,” said provost and chief academic officer Anthony K. Wutoh, Ph.D. “This designation highlights the key contributions of our outstanding faculty, the work of our brilliant students, and the numerous academic programs that are leading in various fields.”

“Howard’s recognition as a leading global research university reflects our deepening influence in shaping solutions for the world’s most complex challenges,” said vice president of research Marchon Jackson. “Our scholars pursue knowledge that uplifts underrepresented communities and addresses global issues such as public health, environmental change, and the responsible use of data and emerging technologies to improve lives across the world."

First published in 2014, the Best Global Universities list offers an objective comparison of research performance among universities worldwide. The 2025-26 edition draws on Clarivate™ data and a global academic reputation survey to rank institutions across 51 subject areas as well as overall scholarly impact.

Howard University’s latest accolade signals not only its ascendant research profile but also its enduring commitment to producing scholarship that advances social justice and elevates Black excellence on a worldwide stage.

###

About Howard University

Howard University, established in 1867, is a leading private research university based in Washington, D.C. Howard’s 14 schools and colleges offer 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and lead the nation in awarding doctoral degrees to African American students. The top-ranked historically Black college or university according to Forbes, Howard is the only HBCU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 National Universities and the only HBCU classified as an R1 research institution, indicating the highest level of research spending and doctoral production. Renowned for its esteemed faculty, high achieving students, and commitment to excellence, leadership, truth and service, Howard has produced distinguished alumni across all sectors, including the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice and the first woman U.S. vice president; Schwarzman, Marshall, Rhodes, and Truman Scholars; prestigious fellows; and over 165 Fulbright recipients. Learn more at www.howard.edu.