Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program
Appalachian State University
Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program
151 College St
Boone
, NC
28607
Note: This program is able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP).
The Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program (SDAP) is a transition-focused program for students with intellectual disabilities with the purpose of increasing their self-determination. SDAP students benefit from an all-encompassing collegiate experience, and are an integral part of the campus community. They engage and develop skills through activities such as:-Attending courses with other university students.-Taking part in sporting events and clubs-Participating in a wide range of university programs and services. The Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program is a 4 year non-degree program in which students audit college courses. All SDAP students engage in paid employment and learn core job soft skills. They have an opportunity to live in on-campus apartments. App State is located in rural North Carolina in the charming town of Boone. A free bus service makes it easy for SDAP students to learn to shop independently and go to restaurants with their peers. Our graduates often go on to live independently.
Program information submitted: Jan 27, 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: | 15 |
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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: | applications accepted until openings are filled |
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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
- All students are required to have documentation of an intellectual disability but may have additional 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% |
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| Cost |
| Average student in-state tuition and fees for the current school year: | $8,222.00 |
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| Out-of-state tuition and fees: | $26,512.00 |
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| Room and board cost: | $12,985.00 |
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| Program specific fees: | $5,000.00 |
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| Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)?: | Yes |
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| Students pay for the program in the following ways: | - Private pay (student and family)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Funds
- Scholarships
- Federal Financial Aid
- private scholarships (i.e. Rubies Rainbow)
GoFundMe
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| Scholarships available: | NC provides some scholarship funds for students who demonstrate financial need. These funds do not cover all costs. |
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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 audit
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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: | Lifeskills and social skills |
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| Percentage of all courses taken by students that are inclusive: | 75-99% |
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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: | Career and Community Engagement Award |
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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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| 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
- Work Study
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| Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: | 85% |
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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: | - Inclusive on campus
- Inclusive off campus
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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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