New York Fast-Tracks SUNY, CUNY Admissions for Howard Students

Under her directive, participating SUNY and CUNY campuses with available capacity will provide expedited admissions reviews. New York residents affected by Howard’s decision will also be eligible for an $800 credit to offset the nonrefundable enrollment deposit they paid to Howard University. State officials said the effort will use existing enrollment capacity so it does not reduce opportunities for other students seeking admission.

“CUNY’s mission is to expand access to higher education for all students, not restrict it based on financial means,” CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said in a statement, according to The New York Amsterdam News. “To these students currently facing uncertainty and left in academic limbo: our doors are open, our admissions are expedited, and your dream of a college degree remains well within reach. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her vision and swift action to help these displaced students find a home in our public university system.”

Hochul’s directive covers New York residents only. Out-of-state students affected by Howard’s disenrollment must look elsewhere. The $800 credit matches the standard Howard enrollment deposit, meaning families do not lose that money if they switch to a SUNY or CUNY school.

The expedited review process applies to campuses with open slots. SUNY has 64 campuses across the state; CUNY runs 25 campuses in New York City. Both systems said they expect to place students before Howard’s Aug. 17 semester start.

Howard University did not respond to a request for comment on the New York initiative. The Washington, D.C., school has said the disenrollment was driven by capacity planning constraints that required a final headcount weeks before move-in day.