Washington, D.C., August 21, 2025

News Summary

Howard University students are facing a severe financial crisis following a $64 million cut in federal funding. Many students are turning to GoFundMe campaigns to cover overdue balances and maintain their enrollment status. While university officials are attempting to alleviate some financial burdens through flexible payment plans and emergency aid, numerous students remain dissatisfied. Issues such as communication gaps and billing discrepancies continue to fuel frustrations. A student-led movement, ‘Whose Howard Is It?’, is demanding greater accountability from university administrators as students navigate these financial challenges.

Washington, D.C. – Howard University Students Face Financial Crisis

A recent $64 million cut in federal funding has created a significant financial crisis for students at Howard University. Many are turning to GoFundMe campaigns to pay off overdue account balances and avoid losing their enrollment status. The situation has prompted students to seek urgent financial support, reflecting a growing trend among those struggling to afford their education.

University officials have recognized the struggles faced by their student body and are implementing measures to ease the financial burden. These measures include creating flexible payment plans and providing emergency financial aid. Additionally, efforts have been made to address billing discrepancies that have arisen during a transition to a new financial aid management platform.

Despite these actions, many students remain dissatisfied with the university’s response. Issues include a history of billing errors and difficulties in accessing financial aid. Students have expressed the need for better financial management and enhanced communication from university administration. Approximately 1,000 out of 14,500 students currently face past-due balances, largely due to delays in the transition from the old platform, BisonWeb, to the new system, BisonHub.

The financial hurdles students face can be categorized into three primary issues: accumulating debt, a 6.3% increase in tuition over the last decade, and additional essential fees incurred. The funding cuts have not only strained financial resources for students but have also limited opportunities for faculty and students in academic research and professional development, exacerbating the situation.

In response to their financial difficulties, students have taken to social media, using platforms like GoFundMe to share their stories and raise awareness about their plight. Some students, including a broadcast journalism major, are even tracking over 127 GoFundMe campaigns on a dedicated website aimed at helping fellow students with tuition and housing expenses.

In an organized effort, a movement called Whose Howard Is It? has emerged among students, pushing for greater accountability from the university administration. The group has expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of financial issues and is calling for the resignation of senior officials who they believe have inadequately addressed the financial concerns of students. First-generation college students, in particular, are vocal about the significant debts they are accruing, with one revealing a balance exceeding $57,000.

The financial aid office’s communication has also been criticized, with many students reporting delayed responses to queries. Consequently, fears are mounting that students may not be able to graduate or enroll in the upcoming semester due to these financial challenges.

In a remarkable initiative, Dr. Stacey Patton, a professor at Howard, launched her own GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $20,000 to assist students with tuition payments. This reflects broader financial issues facing many students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), alongside larger systemic challenges exacerbated by recent funding cuts.

Conclusion

As Howard University students navigate this financial turmoil, the situation highlights the urgent need for systemic change and improved support from the university administration, ultimately determining the educational futures of many students.

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Additional Resources

• Washington Informer: Howard Students Financial Challenges
• NBC Washington: Howard Students Discover Debt After School Changes
• Times of India: Howard Students Turn to Crowdfunding
• Google Search: Howard University Financial Crisis
• Black Enterprise: Howard University Professor Launches GoFundMe
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Howard University