Howard University disenrolled 502 incoming freshmen after they missed a July 10 deadline to enroll in a tuition payment plan for the fall 2026 semester, prompting several state university systems to offer alternative admission options to affected students. The move, announced weeks before classes were set to begin, left many students scrambling to find new schools with little time to prepare.
Among those impacted was 19-year-old Yasmine Payano of the Bronx, who had initially chosen Howard over other options, including the University at Albany. Payano said she had spent much of the summer coordinating with Howard’s financial aid and bursar offices to clarify her scholarship and aid status, following advice to delay enrolling in the payment plan until her funding was applied. After missing the deadline, she was notified of her disenrollment. As a result, she will now begin her college education at the University at Albany.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul responded by offering automatic acceptance to New York State disenrolled Howard students at participating campuses in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, including Albany, Stony Brook, and Buffalo. The City University of New York (CUNY) is providing a similar expedited admissions process. Out-of-state students affected by Howard’s decision are also eligible for fast-track admissions at these public institutions.
Tuition differences remain notable: Howard’s semester tuition is listed at $37,996, compared to approximately $7,070 for in-state SUNY students and an average of $17,730 for out-of-state attendees. University center campuses like Albany, Stony Brook, and Buffalo average around $29,200 per semester.
Maryland has joined the effort to assist disenrolled students, with Governor Wes Moore announcing that those affected would receive expedited admission to the Maryland university system. Both Maryland and New York governments have pledged to reimburse students for Howard’s nonrefundable $800 housing and enrollment fees.
Interim President Wayne A.I. Frederick of Howard said in a recent interview that about 200 of the initially disenrolled students have since been re-enrolled after securing payment or demonstrating external scholarship support. Frederick defended the university’s handling of the deadline, noting that multiple detailed communications were sent to students and families from March through July outlining the necessary enrollment steps. He expressed dissatisfaction with public criticism of Howard’s actions, including comments from Governor Hochul, emphasizing confidence in the university’s processes.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. expressed optimism about the opportunity for these students to succeed within the SUNY system. A SUNY spokeswoman confirmed that participating campuses are implementing special measures to prevent any further disenrollment due to unresolved financial aid issues, assuring affected students of stable enrollment for the fall semester.
The sudden shift has been difficult for many students, who had anticipated starting their college journey at Howard, a historically Black university with a unique cultural environment. Payano acknowledged the challenges and expressed disappointment with Howard’s handling of the situation, describing it as unprofessional and contrary to her original aspirations. Meanwhile, officials continue to facilitate transfers and enrollment transitions as the fall semester approaches.