Howard University consists of twelve schools and colleges. The University offers baccalaureate, master's, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Social Work, and Juris Doctor degrees. It also offers undergraduate, post-master’s, and post-first-professional certificates.

Annual enrollment at Howard is approximately 10,900. About 9 percent of the students are from Washington, DC; 75 percent are from other states; 11 percent are international students representing ninety-one countries and U.S. possessions; and 5 percent are international students who are permanent U.S. residents.