Can students with intellectual disabilities go to college?

Many colleges, employers, and some branches of the military require a diploma. Students without a diploma can still apply for federal financial aid, thanks to the Ability to Benefit act. More opportunities are becoming available as universities become more inclusive. For example, UC Davis has the Redwood SEED Scholars Program, a four-year, non-degree program for students with intellectual disabilities. These students will be able to attend classes, live in the dorms, make friends, find peer support, and have access to the same college experiences as their neurotypical peers.

California offers College to Career (C2C) programs throughout the state, including Pathway at UCLA Extension, the College of Adaptive Arts in San Jose, and private college opportunities. Think College’s College Search Tool includes inclusive college programs across the country. The California Department of Education also suggests using the Big Future College Board website to search for schools that meet your child’s needs.

For more, see our articles Building a Goal-Oriented Future: Earning a Diploma or a Certificate of Completion and Thinking About College for Students With Intellectual Disabilities.