A significant financial crisis has emerged at Howard University, affecting over 1,000 students who have received notifications regarding past due balances following the university’s transition to a new student portal system.
Artavious Thompson, one of the affected students, learned through an email on June 4 that he owed $12,807 in past due balances and had until June 30 to settle the matter.
Many students find themselves in similar predicaments, blindsided by debts they were previously unaware of.
As the confusion surrounding the new system continues, the university has addressed the situation on social media, although three out of four of their posts have since been deleted.
A new statement was released via Instagram on Wednesday, asserting: “Howard University remains firmly committed to supporting our students and resolving challenges related to student accounts, including past due balances.”
Rising senior Ni-Jilé Young, who studies international business, expressed frustration as she joined hundreds of students in setting up a GoFundMe to cover her obligations.
She lamented the difficulty of reaching Howard’s financial aid office, stating, “They don’t answer their emails or phone calls. I remember one time I went into the financial aid office, it was open from 11 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.”
In response to the crisis, a group of Howard students has formed an advocacy organization called ‘Whose Howard is It?’, aimed at facilitating communication between students and the financial aid office while also circulating their concerns on social media.
The organization has outlined several demands, including the resignation of the Vice President of Student Affairs, an in-person meeting with the Board of Trustees, increased investment in financial aid and scholarships, and enhancements to mutual aid systems.
Taliana Kalia, one of the organization’s leaders, noted the urgency of the situation stating, “Once I saw that so many people were going through it, I was like, ok, this is unacceptable. Howard cares more about their image than their students.”
She took action on social media, encouraging others to comment on the university’s posts, and saw significant engagement from the community.
Despite the outcry, Howard University is not permitting students to use scholarships or financial aid to resolve their past balances, insisting that payments must be made in cash or check by the deadline.
While a payment plan is available, it carries interest, placing an additional burden on students already facing rising tuition costs.
The estimated cost of attendance for the 2025-26 school year is approximately $64,000, which is a notable increase from around $59,000 in the previous year.
This price hike has particularly impacted those relying on financial aid and scholarships.
Anyae Fields, a rising sophomore, criticized the university’s approach, stating, “Howard’s motto is excellence and truth and service. They’re not abiding by that at all.”
Students seeking support can follow @whosehowardisit on Instagram for resources or contact the financial aid office directly at (202) 806-2820.
FOX 5 has attempted to reach Howard University for further comments but has not received a response.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments as students advocate for their needs.
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