Howard University told over 500 howard unenrolled students that they were unenrolled weeks before the fall 2026 semester, including incoming freshman Isabella Williams. Williams said she received an email saying she was unenrolled because of a remaining balance, then later got her classes back.
She said she was preparing to move from east Alabama to Washington, D.C., when the notice arrived. In the same report, Howard University said it had sent multiple detailed communications in March, April, May, June and July to first-time-in-college students and families about the steps needed to secure enrollment for fall 2026.
Isabella Williams and Howard University
Williams said the notice carried an outcome that left little room for a quick fix. “They stated that there was no way for us to come back, and that they suggested that we come back for another semester as a transfer student,” she said in an interview with 7News.
She also said she had two scholarships from Howard University, one for $11,000 and another for $16,000. Williams said she originally owed $13,000, but the total fell to $12,000 after the school let her waive health insurance. She said she was trying to close out that balance while preparing for the semester.
Fall 2026 enrollment notices
Howard University said the notices reached more than 500 students. The scale matters because the issue did not affect only one student account; it touched a large group of first-time-in-college students heading into the same semester.
Williams said some students later got their classes restored, while hundreds had not gotten anything. Her own classes were restored, but the scholarship and enrollment questions around the larger group were still unresolved in the report.
Howard University tuition balance
Howard University’s 2026-2027 tuition was listed at $37,996 per year, or $18,998 per semester. For students receiving an unenrollment notice, the practical question is whether the balance on file can be cleared in time to keep classes in place before the semester starts.
Williams said, “I'm more so disappointed in the way that Howard is acting, but I'm not disappointed in the school or the promise itself.” For students who received the same notice, the immediate next step is to check whether their enrollment and class schedules have been restored, because Williams said the school had already reversed that outcome for some students but not for everyone.
