Gov. Moore announces fast-tracked admissions for unenrolled Howard University students

Governor Wes Moore on Thursday announced that hundreds of students who were suddenly unenrolled at Howard University last week can get fast-tracked admission and an $800 credit to a University System of Maryland college.

Moore directed the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the public university system to help the affected students identify available programs, navigate financial aid options, and receive expedited late admission review at universities with available spots.

“These students worked hard, earned admission to college, and were preparing to begin the next chapter of their lives,” Moore said in a statement. “Maryland is moving with urgency to give them a clear path forward — with hands-on support, expedited admissions assistance, and financial relief — so they can stay on track toward earning their degree.”

Howard made headlines last week when, days before move-in, university officials abruptly unenrolled 502 students who the university said missed tuition and financial-aid deadlines.

The historically Black university in Washington, D.C., initially defended the decision, stating that the students and their families were repeatedly reminded of financial aid deadlines. But some students said they had told the university that their scholarships or federal financial aid hadn’t finished processing.

While Howard has since reinstated more than 200 incoming students, hundreds are still unable to attend.

“The University System of Maryland is committed to helping these displaced students,” system Chancellor Jay Perman said in a statement. “Our goal is to help these students continue with their education with as little interruption as possible.”

The governor’s office did not immediately respond to questions about where the state was getting the money for the $800 credits and how much the special offer is expected to cost.

Maryland’s public universities joined a few others that are offering special deals to displaced Howard students.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced earlier this week that state residents unenrolled from Howard would be guaranteed admission to its public universities this fall. Hochul also announced that students would receive an $800 credit.

And the University of the District of Columbia, an HBCU, extended its application deadline to make room for affected students.

Several universities in Maryland’s public system have recently struggled with declining enrollment and layoffs. Bowie State, for example, an HBCU just 20 miles north of Howard, stands to grow its student body if would-be Howard students enroll.

Morgan State University, a public HBCU that is not part of the University System of Maryland, is not offering any deals to the affected Howard students. The university’s open admissions and application period closed on June 15 and new-student orientation sessions recently concluded.

Students interested in taking advantage of Maryland’s deal are encouraged to contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission through the Office of Student Financial Assistance at osfamail.mhec@maryland.gov.

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