Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings (TOPS)
The Ohio State University
Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings (TOPS)
1581 Dodd Drive
Columbus
, OH
43210
Note: This program is able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP).
The TOPS Program at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center offers individuals ages 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) a unique opportunity to engage in academic coursework at Ohio State and gain meaningful work experiences while developing independent living skills and participating in campus and community organizations, social and volunteer activities, and other events.
The TOPS Program is a 2- and 4-year Workforce Development Certificate program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities that focuses on 4 transition areas:
- Academics
- Career Development
- Independent Living
- Self-Determination
The TOPS program is not a degree-granting program but a catalyst for employment and/or a bridge to degree-granting programs.
Program information submitted: Feb 03, 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: | 25 |
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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?: | Yes, a regular high school diploma or GED is required |
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| Deadline to apply to this program: | November 1st Early action and Regular decision February 1st |
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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: | 95% |
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| Cost |
| Average student in-state tuition and fees for the current school year: | $3,606.84 |
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| Out-of-state tuition and fees: | $14,391.00 |
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| Room and board cost: | $8,658.00 |
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| Program specific fees: | $12,000.00 |
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| Other costs: | $0.00
Meal and Dinning, if applicable |
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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)
- Scholarships
- Federal Financial Aid
- Veteran or Military Benefits
- Other scholarships like Ruby's rainbow
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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
- Typical Continuing Education courses
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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: | Student Learning Community studies SLC 1 & 2 for Self-determination, Self Advocacy, Independent living, Career readiness and Career exploration |
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| Percentage of all courses taken by students that are inclusive: | 100% |
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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: | 2-year or 4-year Work Force Development Certificate |
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| Is the credential approved by the college/university?: | Awarded by program, not officially recognized by 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
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| Employment |
| Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: | 50% |
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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: | 30% |
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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
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