Historically Black College Cancels Debt Owed By Students

Photo: UNCF

Graduating students from Wilberforce University in Ohio received a surprise during their commencement ceremony: Most of their student debt was being erased.

The total debt forgiveness amounted to $375,000 for both 2020 and 2021 college graduates.

“The Wilberforce University Board of Trustees has authorized me to forgive any debt,” President Elfred Anthony Pinkard announced, as students began to cheer.

While Pinkard notes he didn’t have the authority or the resources to forgive all the debt owed to the banks or federal government, he says students and their families appreciated the little the school could do.

Organizations, such as the Jack and Jill Foundation, offering to step in and help were key to forgiving the debt, he says.

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