Why did Paul Coates seek employment at Howard University?

According to Coates, Paul Coates pursued employment at the university so that his children could attend tuition-free. Coates writes that his older sisters Kelly and Kris attended Howard University and Big Bill was also admitted although he held on by his fingernails to avoid suspension. When it came to Ta-Nehisi choosing between what Paul referred to as a college that represented “thirteenth” grade and Howard University, his parents guided him to choose the tougher yet prestigious Howard.