An HBCU is supporting its students yet again in their time of critical need.

ABC News reports that Langston University, the only HBCU in Oklahoma, has cleared over $4.5 million in student debt balances.

The move was made through the university using funding from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) for students enrolled in summer 2022, fall 2022, and spring 2023 semesters.

“The HEERF award allows us to bring balances for students enrolled in a ‘pandemic semester’ to zero,” Langston University President Kent J. Smith shared in a letter. “This award will appear on student accounts as W204 – Higher Ed Emergency Relief Fund. This includes students not currently enrolled at the institution as well as those enrolled during Summer 2022 or Fall 2022 who will now be cleared of any hold preventing them from receiving an official transcript due to a balance. There is no expectation or requirement for enrollment in a future semester to receive the benefit of the cleared balance.”

He continued, “We are proud of the positive impact this initiative will have on our students, graduates, and their families for years to come. We appreciate your continued support of Langston University!”

The announcement marked Langston University’s second time clearing student account balances. Back in August 2021, it canceled the amount of $4,654,112 — bringing the total to over $9.2 million.

In his letter, Smith also noted that students who already made payments to the institution prior to the announcement won’t be refunded. However, the Office of the Registrar is considering late applications for graduation due to the timing of the HEERF Award as a means to remove obstacles for students.

For students who are eligible for spring 2023 or summer 2023 commencement thanks to the award, Langston University is accepting applications for graduation until March 31, 2023.