Life
Howard University Makes History as First HBCU to Achieve R1 Research Status
Howard University has achieved Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification, becoming the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to receive this prestigious designation. The classification, announced by the American Council of Education (ACE), recognizes institutions with very high research activity and doctorate production.
Howard significantly exceeded the R1 criteria, which requires annual research spending of US$50 million and production of 70 research doctorates. In fiscal year 2023, the university reported nearly US$85 million in research expenditures and awarded 96 doctorates, maintaining its position as the leading institution for Black doctoral graduates in the United States.
“This achievement demonstrates our research capacity and reaffirms our commitment to addressing society’s pressing challenges through scholarship and innovation,” said President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., emphasizing Howard’s role in advancing inclusive research and technological development.