East Tennessee State University
Access ETSU
PO Box 70547
Johnson City , TN 37614
PO Box 70547
Johnson City , TN 37614
Note: This program is able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP).
| Program Contact | Dr. Melody Blevins |
| Program Contact Email | accessETSU@etsu.edu |
| Program Phone | 423-439-7697 |
| Website | Program website |
| Social Media: | Program Social Media |
Access ETSU offers supplemental support to young adults with an intellectual disability (ID) who seek to enhance their academic, career development, and social skills alongside their peers at ETSU. In partnership with area school systems, local agencies, and the ETSU community, Access ETSU connects students to opportunities that will prepare them not only for competitive, integrated employment, but enhanced life outcomes.
Program information submitted: Jan 28, 2026
| General | |
|---|---|
| Public or private: | Public |
| Type of school: | 4-year college or university |
| Is this program a federally funded TPSID program?: | No |
| Number of students: | 12 |
| Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Program serves students who have left high school?: | Yes, all of our students have left high school |
| High school diploma required?: | No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted |
| Deadline to apply to this program: | Ongoing |
| Admission link: | Program admission |
| Criteria for admission: |
|
| Accepts out-of-state students?: | Yes |
| Students in this program have these disabilities: |
|
| Planned program length: |
|
| Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates | |
|---|---|
| Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one: | 100% |
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Average student in-state tuition and fees for the current school year: | $10,994.00 |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees: | $15,194.00 |
| Room and board cost: | $7,000.00 |
| Other costs: | $0.00 Student are responsible for purchasing texts/materials for courses and securing transportation to come to campus, which may include additional cost. |
| Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)?: | Yes |
| Students pay for the program in the following ways: |
|
| Scholarships available: | Students in TN who are pursuing inclusive higher education may be eligible for the StepUp Scholarship: https://www.collegefortn.org/tennessee-step-up-scholarship/ |
| Academic | |
|---|---|
| Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): |
|
| More about course access: | Students select courses from ETSU's undergraduate catalog with the support of the Academic Coordinator and an inclusive Academic Advisor from the student's area of study. |
| Are students in this program able to access support services through your IHE disability services office?: | Yes |
| Students take courses that are only for students in this program: | No |
| Percentage of all courses taken by students that are inclusive: | 100% |
| Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester?: | Yes |
| Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: | Certificate of Completion |
| Is the credential approved by the college/university?: | Awarded by program, not officially recognized by the IHE |
| Other than the credential listed above, can students earn any other credentials that are available to all students?: | Industry aligned certificates |
| Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services: |
|
| Employment | |
|---|---|
| Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: | 33% |
| Other career development activities are: |
|
| Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: | 25% |
| Additional information about career development and work experience: | Students are carefully and intentionally matched with meaningful placements aligned with their area of interest. We invest a lot of time in development to make support the student's best possible experience. |
| Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? | Yes |
| Housing | |
|---|---|
| Housing is provided to students?: | Yes |
| Housing options available: |
|
| Residential supports for students who live in college/university housing: |
|
| Extracurricular | |
|---|---|
| Students participate in student organizations on campus: | Yes |
| Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus): | 100% |
| Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities: |
|
| Students participate in these campus-wide events: |
|