The outlook for Howard U doesn't look good

[Anonymous]

I remember Howard homecoming back in the 90s. Best times in DC. I always thought that the university had a lot of cachet.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/09/education/edlife/a-historically-black-college-is-rocked-by-the-economy-infighting-and-a-changing-demographic.html?_r=0

[Anonymous]

this sums it up perfectly.

Historically black colleges and universities, known as H.B.C.U.’s, once held a monopoly. Today, they struggle to compete with elite colleges that have stepped up recruiting for the best and brightest black students. Howard admitted almost 60 percent of applicants last year; among current freshmen, the top 25 percent in SAT math and reading scored 1190 and up; 15 years ago the threshold was 1330.

[Anonymous]

In other news, there are no “colored only” bathrooms in America. Welcome to the 21st century. The university@ 2400 Sixth St NW is the same as the pre-civil rights era Howard University in name only. The days of schools serving just one ethnic/race/religion are over now that the best can attend the best schools. Georgetown and Notre Dame have aggressively pursued non-Catholics to stay near the top of American universities. Howard should take advantage of its location in the nation’s capital and seek the best possible students regardless of race, color or creed.

[Anonymous]

Not a new problem for the HBCUs although many combat the problem in different ways. Many of the public state schools have taken steps to diversify. Howard is a private institution so that option is a little tougher. Although on the graduate and professional level, Howard has sought a more diverse student body and as been doing it for at least two decades. Harder to do that at the undergrad level.

[Anonymous]

It's gained a reputation as an easy med school to get into if you are non-white (lots of Indians!). Ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Same thing as Women's colleges. Vassar anyone?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Same thing as Women's colleges. Vassar anyone?

Wellesley's not going anywhere, and it's rep is intact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same thing as Women's colleges. Vassar anyone?

Wellesley's not going anywhere, and it's rep is intact.

Yes, but the other 6 sisters' stars have fallen and/or gone co-ed. It's not a terrible thing, it's just a sign of chaning times. Smart black students now have a wide variety of options. The question will be, how will Howard respond. Will it start marketing itself towards other races and cultures? Will it pick its strengths and then become a specialized school or will it fade into the background...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same thing as Women's colleges. Vassar anyone?

Wellesley's not going anywhere, and it's rep is intact.

Yes, but the other 6 sisters' stars have fallen and/or gone co-ed. It's not a terrible thing, it's just a sign of chaning times. Smart black students now have a wide variety of options. The question will be, how will Howard respond. Will it start marketing itself towards other races and cultures? Will it pick its strengths and then become a specialized school or will it fade into the background...

There are not that many pharmacy or physical therapy programs in the area. Howard is one of 2 or 3 programs in the area that offers a master's program in physical therapy. BS in PT has pretty much gone the way of the dodo bird. Howard is not exactly on its way out but could use some remarketing. HBOCs have historical significance regardless of the "variety of options" and the more renown will not just simply fade away. They are part of this country's history when blacks could not attend white colleges and have just as much a place here as Harvard or Princeton.

[Anonymous]

I think that the biggest drain on Howard finacially is the hospital. That is a loss leader almost every year. I know that there is prestige in having a med school and a teaching hospital, but think of the resources that it takes to run a full service hospital with a traditionally low SES patient base.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same thing as Women's colleges. Vassar anyone?

Wellesley's not going anywhere, and it's rep is intact.

Yes, but the other 6 sisters' stars have fallen and/or gone co-ed. It's not a terrible thing, it's just a sign of chaning times. Smart black students now have a wide variety of options. The question will be, how will Howard respond. Will it start marketing itself towards other races and cultures? Will it pick its strengths and then become a specialized school or will it fade into the background...

Sorry WRONG.

[Anonymous]

That's disappointing. I went to a PWI, but my DH went to Howard. While I have had personal frustrations dealing with the school, I see the value (personally and professionally) an HBCU education had for DH and his college friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that the biggest drain on Howard finacially is the hospital. That is a loss leader almost every year. I know that there is prestige in having a med school and a teaching hospital, but think of the resources that it takes to run a full service hospital with a traditionally low SES patient base.

DC General and Greater Southeast Hospital have closed. So, where else would you have the poor go? Howard Hospital serves those who nobody else will or are reluctant to do so. It has nothing to do with 'prestige' as you put it. Unfortunately, the less prestigious poor can't pay so Howard suffers.

[Anonymous]

Who cares

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not a new problem for the HBCUs although many combat the problem in different ways. Many of the public state schools have taken steps to diversify. Howard is a private institution so that option is a little tougher. Although on the graduate and professional level, Howard has sought a more diverse student body and as been doing it for at least two decades. Harder to do that at the undergrad level.

They could start locally and reach out to the Hispanic students in the local public high schools. That would be a step to diversify but one that might be more palatable to alumni and supporters.