University of South Carolina
CarolinaLIFE
820 Main St.
Columbia , SC 29208
820 Main St.
Columbia , SC 29208
Note: This program is able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP).
| Program Contact | Maggie Pszenny |
| Program Contact Email | Carolinalife@sc.edu |
| Program Phone | 803-576-7846 |
| Website | Program website |
| Social Media: | Program Social Media |
CarolinaLIFE is an individualized, non-degree program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program provides support and instruction in the following areas; academic instruction, career education, independent living, social and community engagement, and personal development. The program philosophy is founded on inclusion and individualization, based on each student’s interests and support needs. Our application process is simple but selective, and many of our students qualify for financial aid to help with tuition and other program costs. CarolinaLIFE students have access to opportunities offered to other University of South Carolina students such as participation in USC courses, on-campus housing, student organizations, sporting events, work-study, and commencement.
Program information submitted: Jan 27, 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: | 25 |
| 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: | 23-Jan |
| Criteria for admission: |
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| Accepts out-of-state students?: | Yes |
| Students in this program have these disabilities: |
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| Planned program length: |
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| 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: | $16,684.00 |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees: | $16,684.00 |
| Room and board cost: | $14,436.00 |
| Program specific fees: | $6,000.00 |
| 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: |
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| Scholarships available: | All resident South Carolina students who attend a South Carolina IPSE program are eligible for up to $15,000 in financial assistance per academic year (up to 4 years) from the state proviso toward the cost of attendance. (Scholarship) All resident South Carolina students who attend a South Carolina IPSE program and demonstrate financial need (as demonstrated through the FAFSA) are eligible for up to $10,000 in financial assistance per academic year (up to 4 years) from the state proviso toward the cost of attendance.(Needs-Based Grant) CarolinaLIFE offers 4-5 scholarships yearly for enrolled students. The application process is internal for students in years 2-4 of the program. |
| Academic | |
|---|---|
| Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): |
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| 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: | Yes |
| Percentage of all courses taken by students that are inclusive: | 50-74% |
| 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: | CarolinaLIFE Certificate |
| Is the credential approved by the college/university?: | Yes, this credential has been through a formal approval process at the IHE |
| Other than the credential listed above, can students earn any other credentials that are available to all students?: | ParaPro, other industry recognized certificates/credentials/etc. determined based on individual student course of study. |
| Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services: |
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| Employment | |
|---|---|
| Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: | 70% |
| Other career development activities are: |
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| Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: | 83% |
| 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: |
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| Residential supports for students who live in college/university housing: |
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| 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: |
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| Students participate in these campus-wide events: |
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