Langston University announces plan to clear student debt balances

Langston University, a historically black university in Oklahoma, has announced its plan to clear all student debt balances for the spring 2021 semester. This comes after the university received $2.2 million in federal funding under the CARES Act, which provides financial assistance to institutions of higher learning impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The debt relief will be applied to over 1,200 students who were registered for the spring semester at Langston University, including current students and students who graduated in May 2020. The university’s president, Kent Smith Jr., said the decision was made to help students who may be struggling financially due to the pandemic.

Langston University is not alone in this effort. Other universities, such as Howard University and Spelman College, have also used CARES Act funding to pay off student debts. This move highlights the ongoing issue of student debt, which has worsened during the pandemic as many students face economic uncertainty.

The student loan debt crisis has long been an issue in the United States, with a total of 45 million borrowers owing over $1.7 trillion collectively. It is a burden that disproportionately affects students of color and those from low-income backgrounds. By eliminating debt balances for their students, these universities are providing critical relief to those who need it most.

Langston University’s decision to clear their students’ debt balances is a step in the right direction towards addressing this crisis. It not only eases the burden on students but also allows them to focus on their education during a time of great uncertainty.