Howard University students express concern and frustration over tuition notification issues.
Washington, D.C., August 7, 2025
Howard University is facing significant backlash due to a technical issue during a payment system transition, which resulted in approximately 1,000 students receiving alarming notifications about past-due tuition balances. Many students reported confusion and frustration, alleging inadequate responses from the administration. As the situation escalates, students have organized the advocacy group “Whose Howard Is It?” calling for greater accountability. The university’s commitment to financial transparency is being questioned, as many students struggle with increasing tuition costs and unresolved financial issues that threaten their academic futures.
Approximately 1,000 students at Howard University recently received alarming notifications regarding significant past-due tuition balances, jeopardizing their accounts with potential collections and degree withholding. The institution attributed these errors to a technical problem during the transition to a new payment system, raising concerns among students about the accuracy of their financial standings.
Many affected students reported feelings of confusion and frustration as they claimed that the university had not adequately responded to their inquiries regarding their accounts. In June, students were informed that they must make payment arrangements before the end of the month or face account holds preventing class registration. Numerous students, including first-generation student Alissa Jones, reported drastic increases in their balances—with Jones being told she owed over $57,540, nearly four times her previous balance.
Students have expressed skepticism about the sudden escalation in their debts and have questioned the charges presented. In response, university administrators established non-negotiable payment plans requiring payments over a 12-month period. However, many students faced difficulties in contacting the bursar’s office for clarification, which added to their frustration and feelings of neglect by the administration.
The situation has prompted the emergence of the advocacy group “Whose Howard Is It?”, which is calling for greater accountability from university leaders and improved transparency in communication. This movement has galvanized students to create fundraising campaigns, including GoFundMe pages, to help cover their outstanding balances.
Howard University’s Chief Communications Officer, Lydia Sermons, acknowledged the difficulties faced by students and emphasized the institution’s commitment to enhancing support and communication. Nevertheless, reports indicated that only over half of the students impacted had their account holds lifted even as the university extended payment plan deadlines. This left many students, like Makiah Goodman, who lost a scholarship due to unexplained miscellaneous charges, feeling increasingly anxious about their educational futures.
Students are concerned that unresolved financial issues may delay their ability to graduate on time. With the university estimating its cost of attendance for the 2025-26 academic year to be approximately $64,000, up from about $59,000 the previous year, financial stability is critical for many. The advocacy group, “Whose Howard Is It?”, also demands student representation in senior hiring committees to promote greater institutional transparency.
A growing number of students experiencing financial distress has criticized the university for prioritizing its public image over student welfare and support. As the situation unfolds, both students and the administration continue to navigate the challenges brought about by these technical issues, marking a significant chapter in the academic landscape at Howard University.
The university cited a technical problem during the transition to a new payment system as the cause of the errors concerning past-due tuition balances.
Approximately 1,000 students at Howard University received notifications regarding significant past-due tuition balances.
University administrators implemented non-negotiable payment plans requiring payments over 12 months and extended payment plan deadlines, but many students reported challenges in resolving their issues.
Students have expressed frustration and confusion, with some forming an advocacy group called “Whose Howard Is It?” to seek accountability and transparency from the university administration. Additionally, online fundraising campaigns have been launched by students to address their financial needs.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Students | Approx. 1,000 students received erroneous past-due notifications. |
| Notification Cause | Technical problem during new payment system transition. |
| Response from University | Non-negotiable payment plans and extended deadlines. |
| Student Advocacy | Formation of “Whose Howard Is It?” movement. |
| Cost of Attendance | Estimated at $64,000 for 2025-26, up from $59,000. |
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