Isabella Williams was one of hundreds of incoming college freshmen left disappointed after Howard University rescinded her admission just days before she was due to move onto campus.
Williams, who was accepted into 42 colleges before accepting an offer to the historically Black private university located in Washington D.C., tearfully shared the disappointing news in a recent Instagram video.
Describing the university as her “dream school,” Williams said: “Never in my life have I been so disappointed. Never in my life have I gotten so far and worked so hard for it to be stripped from me on a random Wednesday.”
In the now-viral post’s caption, she wrote: “I’m supposed to move in on SATURDAY. Howard University has unenrolled 100s of students. Financial aid TOLD ME that my external scholarships would suffice. Please, hold them accountable.”
Speaking to local ABC affiliate WJLA about the debacle, Williams explained that she was disenrolled due to an outstanding balance.
“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. “And they gave a little bit of information about how to get scholarship reimbursement in the near future. Now, this was confusing for a multitude of reasons.”
Williams noted that she had received two scholarships from Howard University. “I had an $11,000 scholarship and a $16,000 scholarship that was directly from them,” she said. “And then I had originally it was $13,000 that I had to pay off, but it was actually $12,000 because they let you waive your health insurance.”
She added that she provided document proof to the university that she would pay the remaining balance by August, and was told “everything was fine” and that her “scholarships could come through later.”
The University confirmed to WJLA that it had sent the disenrollment notice to more than 500 “first-time-in-college students whose accounts did not reflect the required enrollment and financial obligations by the previously communicated deadlines.”
“Howard University provided multiple detailed communications throughout March, April, May, June, and July to first-time-in-college students and families on steps needed to secure enrollment for the fall 2026 semester,” the school said in an earlier statement.
The Independent has contacted Howard University for further comment.
Williams’s enrollment has since been restored following her public plea. She remains hopeful that the University will do the same for the other students.
“I’m more so disappointed in the way that Howard is acting, but I’m not disappointed in the school or the promise itself,” she said to the outlet.
In a statement posted Thursday on X, Howard University addressed the “concerns and challenges that students that students and families are experiencing related to the recent enrollment update.”
“The University is reviewing information related to enrollment status, anticipated scholarship funding, and other financial aid, where appropriate,” it continued, “and will consider relevant circumstances regarding pending scholarship awards and financial aid resources for impacted students.”
