Through a partnership between Think College and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), the Think College Policy Advocates (TCPA) training program was established to train pairs of college students with intellectual disability and a college staff or faculty member on critical topics related to effective advocacy, particularly for college options for students with intellectual disability.
Any student preparing for college must have a plan to pay for college and students with intellectual disability (ID) are likely to use many of the same resources as other college students to pay for college. There are some resources specific to individuals with disabilities to consider, as well. Students are using numerous approaches to pay for college, often braiding together several different funding sources to cover the costs.
This Insight Brief is based on a research study by the authors that explored the admissions process and eligibility criteria for programs that support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The researchers used a national online survey and virtual interviews with postsecondary education program staff to learn about the skills, behaviors, and qualities most commonly valued during the admissions process. They also explored the steps and timeline of the admissions process.
As students with intellectual disability have been increasingly pursuing postsecondary education, they have also been increasingly pursuing inclusion in all aspects of postsecondary education, including Greek life. Students with intellectual disability should have access to Greek Life, using the same processes students without disability use to access these programs. This requires students and their supporters to embrace the dignity of risk.
This Think College Snapshot captures data as of August 2025 on specific markers of higher education programs for students with intellectual disabilities, including the number that are designated as Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) programs, which states have higher education consortia, the number of programs that have been awarded TPSID funding, which states have passed legislation related to higher education for students with intellectual disability, and more.
