WASHINGTON– Days after Howard University notified hundreds of first-time college students that their spots for the upcoming semester were no longer available, other colleges and universities are stepping up to fill the void for students struggling to find other options.

Keana Johnson is one of them.

The 17-year-old had hoped to start classes next month at Howard University as the next step in her educational journey and a way out of the refuge of New York City where she lives. He told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he might consider the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, which is extending the deadline for undergraduate applications to Aug. 7. He is also researching historically black colleges and universities in the South, but realizes that his options are limited and time is running out.

“I would still love to go to Howard,” Johnson said. “I’ve invested too much in going to that university to give up now.”

Howard, one of about 100 historically black colleges and universities in the United States, said Friday that it notified 502 students entering college for the first time that their spots for the upcoming semester were no longer available. The school said the students had failed to meet enrollment deadlines and financial obligations.

Howard also said that students who believe their accounts do not reflect their financial situation should contact their financial aid office and that “each case will be reviewed individually to determine if adjustments or reinstatement are appropriate.”

Howard University has not responded to an AP request about the number of withdrawn students reinstated or the status of cases under review.

Johnson said he has emailed the school several times to get responses he has not yet received. “I called every office for which there is a number,” he added.

Howard staff on the other end of the calls were not helpful, Johnson said.

The University of the District of Columbia, like Howard, is an HBCU and is located in Washington. The public university is committed to offering a hand to students who especially need it right now, said Hasanna Tyus, vice president of enrollment services.

“We understand that college plans can change unexpectedly and we want students to know they still have options,” Tyus said.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday that the State University of New York and the City University of New York are also expediting late admissions reviews at some schools for in-state residents who Howard disenrolled from.

Participating campuses will also provide a credit of $800 per student to offset enrollment deposits paid to Howard that have not been refunded.

“New York is home to the best public higher education systems in the country and we are ready to welcome these talented students with the opportunity they deserve,” Hochul said.

Johnson, who is Black and uses “Star” as her preferred name, was notified in December of her admission to Howard’s nursing program for the fall 2026 semester.

He said he does not live with either of his parents and has been staying at a shelter for homeless teens and young adults since early June while attending the Charter School of Educational Excellence in Yonkers.

He still hopes to land at an HBCU.

“The main thing that kept me going was knowing I was going to end up at Howard,” Johnson said. “It’s a community of peers who look like you and fight like you.”

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Williams is a member of AP Race & Ethnic team.