Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino announced that PASSHE is offering expedited admissions support to students impacted by Howard University’s recent unenrollment of more than 500 incoming first-year students.
Pennsylvania residents who were enrolled at Howard University for Fall 2026 — but can no longer attend as a result of the school's unenrollment — will have access to fast-tracked applications, a guaranteed in-state tuition rate of $8,338 per year, up to $900 in fee waivers, and may be eligible for other financial aid to attend one of Pennsylvania’s 10 state universities. Following the recent developments at Howard University, PASSHE is stepping in to support students looking for a great education here in the Commonwealth.
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Shapiro. “My Administration has worked hard to deliver on that promise – and in this moment of need, I’m proud that our state universities are stepping up to support students from Pennsylvania who were unenrolled from Howard University and ensure they have the opportunity to continue their education at one of our incredible state universities.”
Eligible students should click here to submit a preliminary form and connect with a member of PASSHE’s team, who will provide further information and guidance on next steps.
“As the state universities of Pennsylvania, we are committed to helping Pennsylvanians pursue their higher education goals,” said PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. “When Gov. Shapiro asked if we could help students facing this situation, we were proud to answer that call. A college education opens doors to greater career opportunities, higher lifetime earnings and the skills graduates need to succeed in a changing economy. We want to do our part to help these fellow Pennsylvanians keep moving forward on their path to a degree.”
In addition to expedited admissions support and fast-tracked admissions decisions, PASSHE is waiving fees related to tuition and housing deposits – up to $900 – for eligible students.
PASSHE’s 10 member universities include: Cheyney, Commonwealth (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield), East Stroudsburg, Indiana, Kutztown, Millersville, PennWest (California, Clarion and Edinboro), Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities of Pennsylvania.
Lincoln University, the first college-degree-granting historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the country, is also offering out-of-state tuition reductions and need-based scholarships assistance to any student impacted by the Howard University decision.
“Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations. We commend Governor Shapiro and the Commonwealth for responding quickly to support students whose college plans have been unexpectedly upended,” said Lincoln University of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania President Brenda Allen. “At Lincoln University, we understand the transformative power of higher education and stand ready to help students continue their academic journey in a community committed to access, excellence, belonging, and student success. Our message to these students is simple: your dreams remain within reach, and we welcome the opportunity to help you achieve them.”
Impacted students from Howard University can submit a preliminary form for information from PASSHE here or submit their application to Lincoln University here.
Shapiro Administration’s Work to Make Higher Education More Affordable and Accessible
Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has helped spur the first significant reforms to Pennsylvania’s higher education system in nearly three decades, ultimately leading to the creation of the Commonwealth’s first ever State Board of Higher Education and a comprehensive strategic plan to make higher education more affordable and accessible for all students – while equipping them with degrees that help fill workforce needs in our state.
The 2026-27 budget signed by Governor Shapiro builds on that progress by funding the new performance-based funding formula for Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University for the first time ever — and makes higher education more affordable for students, and supports critical workforce development programs for teachers and nurses. The budget includes:
- $10 million through the performance-based funding formula to Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University, $500,000 for University College at Temple University, and $1.1 million for Lincoln University, the nation’s first college-degree-granting HBCU.
- $5.9 million increase for the Pennsylvania State Grant program through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to maintain maximum awards.
- $10 million increase for Grow PA scholarships to help students pursue affordable postsecondary programs and fill critical in-demand jobs, for a total of $42.5 million.
- $2 million increase for teacher professional development, ensuring educators have the training and tools needed to support students effectively.
Governor Shapiro has made funding for public education and access to higher education a priority — and as Pennsylvania’s future continues to grow, graduate, and succeed, his Administration will continue delivering real results for them.
Impacted students from Howard University can submit a preliminary form to PASSHE here or their application to Lincoln University here.