Ferris State University Ready For Life Academy
Ferris State University Ready For Life Academy
1201 S. State Street
Big Rapids
, MI
49307
Through a partnership with Ferris State University, Ready For Life Academy (RFLA) provides postsecondary educational experiences for college-aged individuals with ID. Each student begins the program by building a student-centered learning plan to develop learning objectives and identify areas of natural talent to be further developed. Based on the student’s interests and abilities the university may offer credit or non-credit earning classes. The curriculum focuses on transition skills to help students gain independence and job skills. RFLA provides support to ensure each student is provided the resources they need to succeed in college. Instructors assist students in daily personal planning, and partner with Ferris State University professors to adapt the academic materials from the college courses students take. College students also volunteer as academic and social peer partners as additional support. RFLA students are provided the opportunity to participate in campus activities.
Program information submitted: Feb 07, 2026
| General |
| Public or private: | Public |
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| Type of school: | 4-year college or university |
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| Is this program a federally funded TPSID program?: | No |
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| Number of students: | 16 |
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| Summer program name: | Ready For Life Freshman Orientation Week |
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| Summer program description: | All freshman move in a week ahead of other students, along with other early move in student groups to have a dedicated week of campus orientation with their support staff and all regularly scheduled campus move-in activities. |
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| Requirements |
| Program serves students who have left high school?: | Yes, all of our students have left high school |
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| High school diploma required?: | No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted |
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| Deadline to apply to this program: | Rolling |
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| Admission link: | Program admission |
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| Criteria for admission: | |
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| Accepts out-of-state students?: | Yes |
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| Students in this program have these disabilities: | - Intellectual disability
- Autism
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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: | 94% |
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| Cost |
| Average student in-state tuition and fees for the current school year: | $20,500.00 |
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| Room and board cost: | $13,500.00 |
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| Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)?: | No |
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| Students pay for the program in the following ways: | - Private pay (student and family)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Funds
- Scholarships
- Veteran or Military Benefits
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| Scholarships available: | Ready For Life offers a needs based scholarship opportunity for all enrolled students. |
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| Academic |
| Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): |
- Typical college courses for credit
- Typical college courses for audit
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| More about course access: | |
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| Are students in this program able to access support services through your IHE disability services office?: | Yes |
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| Students take courses that are only for students in this program: | Yes |
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| Information on special classes: | Ready For Life Academy take independent living classes taught by RFL staff. Enrollment in these classes are dependent on student needs. |
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| Percentage of all courses taken by students that are inclusive: | 50-74% |
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| Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester?: | Yes |
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| Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: | Certificate of Program Completion from Ferris State University or a Ferris State University degree |
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| Is the credential approved by the college/university?: | Yes, this credential has been through a formal approval process at the IHE |
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| Other than the credential listed above, can students earn any other credentials that are available to all students?: | When academically eligible and enrolled for credit in a degree pathway, students may pursue and earn a Ferris State University degree in their chosen field of study. Credential outcomes are individualized and determined based on student goals, academic performance, and enrollment status (credit or audit) in collaboration with university and RFLA staff. |
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| Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services: |
- Career services
- Disability/accessibility services
- Academic tutoring services
- Health services
- Mental health/counseling services
- Access to a transcript via the registrar
- Academic advising services (not program staff)
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| Employment |
| Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: | 100% |
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| Other career development activities are: | - Internships
- Volunteer work
- Community Service
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| Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: | 80% |
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| Additional information about career development and work experience: | Career Development and Work Experiences Ready For Life Academy at Ferris State University (RFLA@FSU) Career development is a core pillar of the RFLA@FSU model and is intentionally integrated throughout each student’s academic experience. Programming aligns with Pre-ETS outcomes and individualized PATH planning to support long-term competitive integrated employment. Career Exploration & Planning Students participate in structured career development coursework and advising that includes: Person-centered PATH planning aligned with career interests Career assessments and interest inventories Exploration of Ferris academic and technical programs Resume development and portfolio building Interview preparation and workplace communication skills Professional etiquette and self-advocacy training Career goals are reviewed and updated each semester. Structured Employment Supports Students receive layered supports designed to promote independence while building competence: Job coaching (fading support model) Task analysis and skill modeling Workplace behavior reinforcement Time management and executive functioning coaching Transportation training and navigation support Employer collaboration and feedback loops Support intensity decreases as students demonstrate readiness and independence. |
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| Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? | Yes |
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| Housing |
| Housing is provided to students?: | Yes |
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| Housing options available: | |
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| Residential supports for students who live in college/university housing: | - Residential Assistant or Advisor who provides supports
- Intermittent or on-call staff support
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