University of North Texas
UNT ELEVAR
1155 Union Circle #311335
Denton , TX 76203
1155 Union Circle #311335
Denton , TX 76203
Note: This program is able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP).
| Program Contact | Brenda Barrio |
| Program Contact Email | elevar@unt.edu |
| Program Phone | 940-369-8563 |
| Website | Program website |
| Social Media: | Program Social Media |
UNT ELEVAR (Empower, Learn, Excel, enVision, Advance, Rise) is a high-quality and self-sustaining, four-year inclusive postsecondary education program model for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The program’s vision is to empower young adults with IDD who wish to continue post-secondary education to become self-determined, independent, and healthy adults readied for integrated competitive employment. As the first Hispanic serving institution to house an inclusive postsecondary education program in Texas, UNT ELEVAR will strive to facilitate natural and culturally responsive individual supports and services for students with IDD from diverse and underrepresented communities through an inclusive college experience across academics, employment, community engagement, health, and well-being. At the end of the program students receive a UNT recognized Career Certificate. We are a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education.
Program information submitted: Feb 02, 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: | 31 |
| 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: | 1-Dec |
| Admission link: | Program admission |
| 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: | 90% |
| Notes on acceptance and attendance: | 25% |
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Average student in-state tuition and fees for the current school year: | $10,097.00 |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees: | $10,097.00 |
| Room and board cost: | $6,840.00 |
| Program specific fees: | $12,000.00 |
| 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: | UNT ELEVAR specific scholarship |
| Academic | |
|---|---|
| Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): |
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| More about course access: | UNT ELEVAR students can access any course within the UNT catalog available every semester. https://catalog.unt.edu/ |
| 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 |
| Information on special classes: | UNT ELEVAR Courses are specialized in the areas of health and sexual education, career and employment development, social skills, independent living skills, community engagement, and senior seminar. |
| 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: | UNT ELEVAR Career 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?: | Microcredentials - Continuing Education |
| 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: | 60% |
| Other career development activities are: |
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| Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: | 100% |
| Additional information about career development and work experience: | The program provides individualized career development, job coaching, and preparation for post-graduation employment. |
| 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): | 75-99% |
| Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities: |
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| Students participate in these campus-wide events: |
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