Howard University in Washington, D.C., has reported a sharp decline in the number of students enrolling at the university who receive District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grants. The program, established by Congress, provides up to $10,000 for District residents to attend four-year, public universities outside of Washington and $2,500 to students who attend private universities within the District or private HBCUs outside of Washington.
Howard University reports that a decade ago there were 142 District residents enrolled who received Tuition Assistance Grants. This past year there were only 46. The amount of the grant has not changed in 10 years and thus the grants cover a smaller percentage of the overall cost of attending college.
In tough economic times, the $10,000 available for state universities outside of the District may be of far greater appeal than a $2,500 grant for students who enroll at Howard.
