Elizabeth City State University is forgiving almost $290,000 worth of student debt.
The HBCU is using federal coronavirus relief money to clear outstanding balances for students from fall and spring of 20-20, as well as this spring semester.
Provost Farrah Ward says this move by the university is unprecedented, but appropriate given the hardships students are facing because of the pandemic.
"Just knowing that over 200 students have been affected and have this weight lifted off of them really just aligns with our mission as a university to help students continue on with their education," says Ward.
Ward says of the more than 200 students affected, the majority owed less than $1,000.
With financial holds now cleared, former students can re-enroll at the university and current students can register for upcoming classes.