PASSAGE USA

University of South Alabama
PASSAGE USA
UCOM 3100
Mobile , AL 36688
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Program Contact Brittni Wright
Program Contact Email passageusa@southalabama.edu
Program Phone 251-460-7558
Website Program website
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PASSAGE USA (Preparing All Students Socially and Academically for Gainful Employment) is a non-degree, certificate program designed for students with intellectual disabilities who need extra supports to be successful in our community. Through person-centered planning, students define goals for their future and develop an individualized Adult Education Plan (AEP) that targets the skills they need to achieve their goals. Skills include independent living, social, employment, and self-determination skills. Students in the program will be full university campus members, which includes access to campus recreation, academic inclusion in classes and inclusion in campus social activities Students attend elective classes with other USA students and specialized classes that target the skills they need to achieve their goals. They participate in a work internship each semester. Peer Mentors (other USA students) act as natural supports on and off campus to help foster independence and learning.

Program information submitted: Feb 06, 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:21
Summer program name:PEO Camp
Summer program description:We offer a 3 day, 2 night camp that gives a glimpse of what college would be like at PASSAGE USA. We have mini classes and fun activities spread throughout the 3 days. We offer a camp for 16-18 and then a camp 19-27 typically during the month of June.
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:No specific deadline
Criteria for admission:
  • 18 plus
Accepts out-of-state students?:Yes
Students in this program have these disabilities:
  • Intellectual disability
  • Autism
Planned program length:
  • 2 years
  • 4 years
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:$8,066.00
Out-of-state tuition and fees:$12,554.00
Other costs:$155.00
Purchasing books, other items for class, etc.
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:
  • Private pay (student and family)
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Funds
  • Scholarships
  • Federal Financial Aid
  • Medicaid Waiver or Day Habilitation funds
  • Veteran or Military Benefits
Academic
Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities):
  • Typical college courses for audit
More about course access:Students have access to over 50 inclusive courses including Hospitality, Ocean Science, Recreational Therapy and many more. We have classes housed in all buildings except medicine and engineering.
Are students in this program able to access support services through your IHE disability services office?:No
Students take courses that are only for students in this program:Yes
Information on special classes:Students take a class on employment skills, life skills, and a work practicum each year of the program.
Percentage of all courses taken by students that are inclusive:75-99%
Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester?:Yes
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?:Students can earn their first aid certificate and food handlers card
Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services:
  • Career services
  • Health services
  • Mental health/counseling services
  • Academic advising services (not program staff)
Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program:100%
Other career development activities are:
  • Internships
  • Volunteer work
Additional information about career development and work experience:Students are required to work each year of the program. First year students work 6 hours on campus. 2nd-4th year work off campus in a variety of areas around the city of Mobile.
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?:No
Extracurricular
Students participate in student organizations on campus:Yes
Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus):75-99%
Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities:
  • Registered student organizations
  • Student government
  • Club sports
  • Campus events
  • Fraternities/sororities
Students participate in these campus-wide events:
  • College/University's Student orientation
  • College/University's Family orientation
  • College/University's Graduation