Hundreds of Howard University freshmen, alongside their parents, are in an uproar after being recently unenrolled from the school. Incoming freshman Isabella Williams rang the alarm about the issue in an Instagram video that quickly gained traction as Black media outlets and university alumni poured in to offer support. The unenrollment happened on the evening of Wednesday, July 23, after being told that they hadn’t paid at least 50% of the remaining balance for the semester that had a deadline of July 10.
Confusion arose among students and parents after being initially told that awaiting additional financial aid awards and loans to be credited to their accounts wouldn’t be an issue and that they’d still be able to register for classes and attend. The university also communicated next steps for financial aid and scholarships on June 8 ahead of the aforementioned deadline.
Students and parents alike have expressed frustration at being misled into believing that pending funds on a student’s account would not prevent them from attending the school. This situation has brought into question higher education practices, as many other universities have placed a financial hold on a student’s account before fully removing them from the roster.
Since the viral video, the university has responded in an official statement to the allegations, saying that they not only notified students on multiple occasions, but that they are also aware of students being unenrolled who may have pending financial aid planning to be added to their account. Students who couldn’t meet the outlined established payment plan, arrangements, or other financial aid method deadline are no longer able to be enrolled, as the university is not able to hold space for them.
“We understand that the enrollment update that was issued yesterday is difficult and disappointing for students and their families. Howard University provided multiple detailed communications throughout March, April, May, June, and July to first-time-in-college students and families on steps needed to secure enrollment for the fall 2026 semester,” the statement read.
“Notifications included emails, personalized financial aid information, videos, and Bison Prep sessions—to help incoming students understand tuition payment requirements, payment plan options, the process for reporting outside scholarships, and the deadlines necessary to secure their enrollment. […] We recognize that some students with pending outside scholarships and other financial aid resources may have been impacted by the recent enrollment update.
“The University is reviewing information related to anticipated scholarship funding and other financial aid, where appropriate, and will consider relevant circumstances presented regarding pending scholarship awards and financial aid resources.” The statement also encouraged students to contact the school’s offices of financial aid, enrollment management, and bursar office for details on their specific account status.
A petition has also been started in support of having Howard University re-enroll the students who had previously been unenrolled and re-evaluate their current financial aid practices.
The Fall semester is scheduled to start August 17, 2026.