Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday that select SUNY and CUNY campuses will offer admission to New York students who were unexpectedly dropped from Howard University just weeks before the start of the fall semester.
More than 500 incoming freshmen who planned to attend Howard University this fall were suddenly unenrolled after the university determined they had not met enrollment and financial deadlines.
Howard University drops more than 500 incoming freshmen
On July 24, Howard University confirmed that 502 students were removed from its incoming freshman class because their accounts "did not reflect the required enrollment and financial obligations by the previously communicated deadlines."
"The university recognizes that timing differences may have occurred between when financial aid was reflected
and when charges were finalized," Howard said in a statement, according to USA TODAY. "Students who believe their account did not accurately reflect their financial standing at the deadline should contact the Bursar's Office. Each case will be reviewed individually to determine whether adjustments or reinstatement are appropriate."
The decision left hundreds of students scrambling to find another college just weeks before classes begin, while also navigating financial aid, housing and other enrollment logistics.
SUNY, CUNY open doors to affected New York students
Hochul said New York is prepared to help every affected New York resident seek admission to a participating SUNY or CUNY campus for the fall 2026 semester.
"Hundreds of students, including New Yorkers, are scrambling and scared since they've been disenrolled from their intended college just a few weeks before classes are set to begin," Hochul said. "New York is home to the nation's finest systems of public higher education, and we are ready to welcome these talented students with the opportunity they deserve."
According to Hochul's office, participating SUNY and CUNY campuses with available capacity will conduct a late admissions process. Current students who have already secured spots for the fall semester will not be displaced.
The state also plans to provide an $800 credit to help cover nonrefundable Howard University enrollment deposits.
Which SUNY campuses are participating?
The following SUNY campuses will offer limited enrollment opportunities for eligible students affected by Howard University's decision:
- University at Albany
- Binghamton University
- University at Buffalo
- SUNY Canton
- SUNY New Paltz
- SUNY Old Westbury
- SUNY Oneonta
- SUNY Purchase
Additional SUNY and CUNY campuses are reviewing available capacity.
Students and families affected by Howard University's enrollment changes can visit SUNY or CUNY for eligibility information and a list of participating campuses.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Hochul offers SUNY, CUNY spots to New York students dropped by Howard
