Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025
News Summary
Students at Howard University are experiencing significant financial challenges due to the transition to a new payment system, BisonHub. Approximately 1,000 students reported unresolved financial balances, leading to confusion as collection notices were issued. The situation is exacerbated by limited Parent PLUS Loans and cuts to the Army ROTC scholarships, prompting many students to start GoFundMe campaigns. Protests have erupted on campus as students demand greater transparency and accountability from the university administration regarding its financial management.
Washington, D.C. – Students at Howard University are grappling with significant financial challenges amid the transition to a new payment system, BisonHub. As the school year progresses, approximately 1,000 students reported unresolved financial balances, leading to confusion and distress as notices threatening collections were issued.
The financial struggles are further compounded for students like Tamia Akers, who hails from rural Ohio and has had to work three jobs to support her education. Akers has received $20,000 in scholarships from both Howard University and local organizations but still encounters difficulty due to recent changes in legislation limiting Parent PLUS Loans, which are critical for funding higher education.
The transition from the former BisonWeb platform to the new BisonHub has created confusion regarding outstanding balances. Reports indicated that many students were unaware of their financial obligations until late in the semester. This oversight came at a time when crucial notifications about unpaid balances were dispatched, alerting students that debts might be handed over to collections agencies.
A growing number of students have resorted to launching GoFundMe campaigns to help cover their educational expenses. The intention behind the scholarships is being clouded by miscommunication about their availability for covering balances. Discrepancies arose when it was revealed that certain financial aid intended for student support has been misallocated or rendered unusable, leading to deeper discontent among the student body.
Additionally, funding cuts from the Army ROTC program have pushed students to seek alternative financial support. Some students expressed feeling misled regarding the ROTC’s promises of scholarship commitments that have not materialized as anticipated. The situation worsened when the Army Cadet Command altered the allocation of scholarship funds, directly impacting the opportunities for ROTC cadets attending Howard.
Students like Ka’Darius McNair exemplify the struggle, having created GoFundMe pages in response to inadequate scholarship funding and persistent communication issues. The crux of the matter has sparked protests across the campus, with students demanding greater transparency and accountability from the university administration regarding their financial affairs.
In response to the burgeoning crisis, Howard University issued a statement addressing claims regarding unresolved financial issues, firmly denying accusations of theft or mismanagement of funds. The university reiterated its commitment to assist students in navigating their financial obligations but acknowledged the urgency of resolving these challenges.
This ongoing situation not only highlights issues with the payment system at Howard University but also reflects the broader challenges faced by students nationwide in securing adequate financial support and transparency in educational funding.
Key Facts
- Over 1,000 students at Howard University reported unresolved financial balances.
- Many students were unaware of outstanding fees until late in the semester.
- Legislative changes have capped Parent PLUS Loans, making it difficult for students to secure funding.
- GoFundMe campaigns have become common among students struggling with financial obligations.
- The Army ROTC program at Howard reduced funding for scholarships, leading to increased financial strain on cadets.
FAQs
What financial challenges are Howard University students facing?
Students are dealing with unresolved financial balances due to the transition to the new BisonHub payment system and recent limitations on Parent PLUS Loans.
How many students reported financial issues at Howard University?
Approximately 1,000 students reported unresolved financial balances at the end of the Spring 2025 semester.
Why are some students starting GoFundMe campaigns?
Many students are launching GoFundMe campaigns to cover educational costs due to unexpected outstanding fees and reduced scholarship funding.
What impact has the Army ROTC funding cut had on students?
The cut in Army ROTC funding has forced students to seek alternative financial support, leading some to feel betrayed by prior scholarship promises.
What is Howard University’s response to the financial issues?
The university has stated that it is committed to assisting students and has denied allegations of theft or mismanagement related to financial aid.
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Additional Resources
- The Root
- WUSA9
- The Hilltop
- ABC30
- Hello Woodlands
- Wikipedia: Historical Black Colleges and Universities
- Google Search: Howard University financial aid
- Google Scholar: Howard University scholarships
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Aid
- Google News: Howard University funding issues
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
