New York State is offering support to students affected by Howard University's recent decision to disenroll more than 500 admitted students ahead of the fall 2026 semester.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that eligible New York residents will have the opportunity to seek admission to participating campuses in the State University of New York and the City University of New York through an expedited late admissions process designed to help students continue their education without significant disruption.
The initiative will use available space within existing fall 2026 entering classes, ensuring opportunities for other prospective New York students are not affected.
“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 in a statement. “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. To every student who is worried that their educational future has been disrupted: New York is ready to support and empower you.”
Participating SUNY campuses expected to provide expedited admissions reviews include the University at Albany, Binghamton University, the University at Buffalo, Stony Brook University, SUNY Buffalo State University, SUNY New Paltz and SUNY Oneonta, while additional campuses continue assessing available capacity. Participating CUNY campuses will also offer expedited admissions reviews for eligible students.
The announcement is especially significant for New York students whose college plans changed just weeks before classes begin. By creating another pathway into the state's public university systems, the initiative helps students stay on track academically while expanding access to affordable higher education.
Students and families seeking information about eligibility, participating campuses and the admissions process can visit the dedicated SUNY and CUNY admissions webpages. Additional campuses may join the initiative as they confirm available capacity before the start of the fall 2026 semester.
