Best Colleges for Students with Disabilities in 2024
For students with a disability, finding a school with a supportive academic environment is a top priority. Fortunately, colleges are committed to providing a comprehensive and inclusive education to all students, and some even have special programs to help students with disabilities achieve their goals.
This article will highlight some of these colleges and discuss the various resources and accommodations they offer. So let's get started.
Selecting a college or university with disability services
Whether it’s a physical disability, a developmental one, or one related to learning, there are programs at colleges across the country designed to help neurodiverse students succeed. As you evaluate a school, here are some things to look for:
- Accommodations and support services: Look for schools that offer specific accommodations for students with disabilities and have a well-established office for disability services.
- Accessibility: Ensure that the campus and housing are physically accessible and equipped with the necessary technology and resources for students with disabilities.
- Inclusiveness and diversity: Look for colleges that value diversity and inclusiveness and have a strong culture of support for students with disabilities.
- Academic fit: Consider the educational programs offered by the college and whether they align with your career goals and interests.
Once you've got a list of potential schools, contact the college's disability services office. It's also helpful to visit the campus in person to better understand the support and resources available before applying for admission.
To help you build your list of schools, here are some of the best colleges for students with disabilities in 2023.
Best universities & colleges for students with disabilities in 2024
American International College
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities
The Supportive Learning Services program at American International College provides professional tutoring services to students and assistance with study skills, organization, and time management. Students can also take advantage of the Center for Accessibility Services and Academic Accommodations (CASAA), which provides academic and physical accommodations.
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Adelphi University
Assistance Type: Learning and Physical Disabilities, as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder
At Adelphi University, there are several programs for students with disabilities, including a Learning Resource Program for students with ADHD, a Social Training Center for students with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s syndrome, and Residential Life and Housing Accommodations, as well as Assistive Technology, for those with disabilities. In addition, the Bridges to Adelphi program, which is fee-based and addresses various issues, addresses executive functioning and problem-solving skills. Adelphi is also home to the Autism Task Force.
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Augsburg College
Assistance Type: a broad range of disabilities, learning, and physical
The Center for Learning and Accessible Student Services (CLASS) at Augsburg features disability specialists that help determine the needs of each student. They provide alternative testing, alternative format textbooks, assistive technology, housing accommodations, and more to students with ADHD, learning disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, blind/low vision, autism spectrum disorder, chronic illnesses, and more.
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Baylor University
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder
Baylor University’s Office of Access and Learning Accommodation (OALA) processes all disability requests and works with faculty and staff on accommodations. They provide a Baylor Disability Shuttle and work with Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, which offers programs for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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Beacon College
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder
Beacon College is the first in the nation accredited to award bachelor's degrees exclusively to students with learning disabilities. With small classes with teachers tailoring their teaching to students' unique needs, along with support services, including life coaching and occupational therapy, students are provided with everything they need for tuition.
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Bellevue College
Assistance Type: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Bellevue College’s Disability Resource Center offers accessible media and course materials, advocacy services, alternative testing, assistive technology, ASL interpreters, volunteer notetakers, and more. In particular, the DRC pairs with the Center for Career Connections and R.I.S.E. Learning Institute to provide the Neurodiversity Navigators for students with an autism spectrum disorder to provide executive functioning assistance, self-advocacy, and multiple support services.
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Centenary University
Assistance Type: Mild Emotional & Learning Disabilities
Centenary University provides two programs: Project ABLE and STEP Ahead. Project ABLE is designed to bridge students with psychology, learning, or neurological differences from high school to college, while STEP Ahead is for students with a background indicating a need for essential skills remediation, developmental education, or specialized support.
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Curry College
Assistance Type: specific language-based learning disabilities, executive function disorders, and/or ADHD
The Program for Advancement of Learning at Curry College is well-developed to handle students with ADHD, learning differences, or executive function issues. On top of providing assistive technology and summer programs, PAL has a Multilingual Students program to serve international students.
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College of Charleston
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities & Mild Developmental Disabilities
The Center for Disability Services (CDS) at the College of Charleston views disabilities as an integral part of the rich diversity at their school. Therefore, their team works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to create an inclusive educational environment for students. Some of the programs offered include test accommodations, such as extended time on exams and alternative testing arrangements, and assistive technology, such as specialized software, to help these students with their learning needs.
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Daemen College
Assistance Type: Autism Spectrum Disorder
The College Autism Transition Support (CATS) program at Daemen College provides weekly life skills coaching, vocational support, and counseling support.
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Dean University
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities
The Arch Learning Community at Dean College provides individual academic coaching, Arch-designated courses, and specialized success and career advising to students with diagnosed learning disabilities and/or other learning differences. Free services, such as peer tutoring, health services, and assistive devices, are also available to all students.
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Defiance College
Assistance Type: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Defiance College is home to the ASD Affinity program, which focuses on three specific areas: academic success, social/personal growth, and residential support. Students have dedicated apartment-style housing with Resident Assistants for support. The college tailors services to each student’s needs and conducts evaluations every Spring.
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DePaul University
Assistance Type: Learning disabilities
The Center for Students with Disabilities handles all accommodations for students, which include things such as adaptive equipment, assistive technology, course selection consultation, priority registration, sign language interpreting, faculty consultations, and more. For more intensive assistance, Learning Specialist Clinician Services are available at a fee through the CSD office. They are designed to assist with executive functioning skills and self-advocacy strategies.
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Eastern Michigan University
Assistance Type: Autism Spectrum Disorder
EMU has a comprehensive support program for students with autism spectrum disorders. The program, called the Autism Spectrum Navigator (ASN) Program, provides individualized support to help students with autism spectrum disorders succeed academically, socially, and personally. This support includes academic coaching, mentorship, and individualized accommodations to help students with autism spectrum disorders overcome any challenges they may face in college.
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Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities; Individual Caretakers
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania's comprehensive program supports students with learning disabilities or those who require the assistance of individual caretakers. The program provides academic accommodations, support services, assistive technology, and more to help these students succeed in college.
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Framingham State University
Assistance Type: Learning disabilities, such as ADHD, as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Diverse Scholars Program at Framingham State University allows students with intellectual disabilities to engage in FSU courses, internships, and student life.
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Gallaudet University
Assistance Type: Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Students
Gallaudet University began as a school for deaf children and has led advances in the education of deaf and hard-of-hearing students for over 150 years. Today, Gallaudet offers the world’s only Interpretation BA, MA, and Ph.D. programs in ASL and is the largest publisher of books about and for the deaf community.
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Hofstra University
Assistance Type: Learning disabilities, as well as ADHD
The Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS) at Hofstra University has been helping students with learning disabilities and ADD or ADHD for over 30 years.
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Kent State University
Assistance Type: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Kent State University offers three different programs for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: an Autism Advocates Program, College Success for Students with Asperger’s or Autism, and Partnering for Achievement & Learning Success (PALS). In addition, students are connected with a learning Specialist they meet with weekly, along with any other necessary accommodations.
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Landmark College
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities & Challenges, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Landmark College caters entirely to students who learn differently. Students receive individualized attention from instructors, with classrooms offering a low 6:1 student-teacher ratio. Students are also provided frequent visits with experienced advisors, executive function coaching, and education technology support. In addition, the landmark offers a Bridge Program and several summer programs and is home to the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training.
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Lesley University
Assistant Type: Learning & Developmental Disabilities
For 35 years, the Threshold Program at Lesley University has offered a non-degree post-secondary program for young adults with diverse learning, developmental, and intellectual abilities. They also offer a certificate program and bridge programs into the working world. Students live on campus, participate in campus activities, and go through a curriculum focused on career training and independent living.
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Loras College
Assistance Type: Diagnosed Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Autism Resources for Career and Higher Education (ARCH) program at Loras College is a comprehensive 4-year program that includes study sessions and mentoring, as well as a 4-day summer transition period, as well as much more to ease transitions between high school and college, then from college to the workforce.
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Lynn University
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities
Lynn University’s Institute for Achievement and Learning offers various support services, including a Diagnostic Center for Education Assessment. In addition, students can receive academic coaching, assistive technology, and tutoring. Lynn is also home to the Harold and Mary perper Testing Center, which provides alternate testing environments that include reader, scribe, and computer access for assistance in recording answers.
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Manhattanville College
Assistance Type: Learning Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Higher Education Learning Program (HELP) is a tutoring program for students with learning disabilities. For students with autism spectrum disorder and related diagnoses, Manhattanville provides the Pathways and Connections (PAC) Program, which includes career development, individual coaching, and peer mentoring.
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Marist College
Assistance Type: Learning & Psychological Disorders & Physical Disabilities
Marist College has accepted and accommodated students with learning disabilities since it was founded. Officially creating a program in 1980, Marist’s Learning Support Program promotes independence and advocating for needs. With an enrollment rate of 10% of total students with disabilities and an 80% graduation rate of students with disabilities, the forty years have given Marist experience hard to find elsewhere.
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Marshall University
Assistance Type: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Established in 2002, The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder works through social, communication, academic, leisure, and personal living skills to best assist students.
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Marymount Manhattan College
Assistance Type: Learning, Physical, and Psychological Disabilities
The Academic Access Program at Marymount Manhattan College includes basic accommodations, such as extended testing times and notetakers, 2 hours a week with a learning specialist, an academic coach for executive functioning skill building, personalized academic counseling, priority registration, and monthly parent meetings.
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Mercyhurst University
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst University provides early registration for classes, unique housing options, and on-site social groups for students on the autism spectrum. The focus is on independent living and self-advocacy.
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Messiah College
Assistance Type: ADHD Coaching
Students can take advantage of Academic Coaching at Messiah College. Trained coaches talk students through creating schedules and plans, setting goals, managing time, and more.
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Mitchell College
Assistance Type: Broad group of learning disabilities
The Thames Academy at Mitchell College offers a pre-college transitional experience that trains students in study, writing, organizational skills, and money management.
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Missouri State University-Springfield
Assistance Type: Psychological and learning disabilities
MSU-Springfield offers an accessible and supportive environment with programs for students and employees with disabilities. Their Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the central hub of all services, and students can find it online and on campus.
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Muskingum University
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities & ADHD
The Plus Program comes in three different levels depending on the frequency of specialized services: one-on-ones with Professional Learning Consultants, a Focus For Success benchmarking system, executive functioning coaching, a comprehensive learning plan, customized mentor sessions, and more.
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Nicholls State University
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities; emphasis on Dyslexia and related disorders
Nicholls State University recognizes that disabilities come in all shapes and sizes, including physical, mental, social, and learning disabilities. Therefore, the university's disability support program offers a range of services and resources to help its students succeed in college. These services may include academic accommodations, mentorship, and other types of personal support.
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Rutgers University
Assistance Type: Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University offers a wide variety of accommodations, including single rooms with no roommates and upperclassmen studying psychology as peer mentors.
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Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Assistance Type: Learning & Physical Disabilities, Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Students
The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) at SIU Carbondale is committed to assuring that students with disabilities receive equal, effective, and meaningful access to all campus programs, resources, and services. Their DSS team provides support services to students and disability awareness education to ensure equal access to courses, physical structures, and online environments.
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Saint Vincent College
Assistance Type: Down Syndrome
The Bearcat B.E.S.T. program was born of the need for transition programming that would focus on the needs of young adults who, while they may not have the aptitude for post-secondary education, could achieve a greater level with appropriate transition programming of independence than a sheltered workshop would provide them. The program's goals are to develop each student’s capabilities in the four pillar areas: academics, vocational training, activities of daily living, and social skills.
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SUNY Cortland
Assistance Type: Learning, Mobility, and Visual disabilities
SUNY Cortland is dedicated to supporting students with learning, mobility, and visual disabilities. The university offers a comprehensive range of services and resources to ensure that neurodiverse students have the tools and support they need to succeed. SUNY's program provides personalized academic accommodations, support services, and assistive technology, such as extended testing time and alternative testing arrangements, as well as individualized support and mentorship. In addition, the program works closely with faculty and staff to create a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
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Texas Tech University
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder
Able to handle students with more intensive needs, the Buckhart Transition Academy at Texas Tech University offers a 3-year program for students on the autism spectrum. In addition, students can take advantage of internships under the watchful eye of a professional job coach.
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Ursuline College
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities and ADHD
Ursuline College provides FOCUS: for Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD. The program aims to provide a smooth transition from high school into college through one-on-one coaching with disability specialists and teaching self-advocacy skills.
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University of Alabama
Assistance Type: Learning Disability, as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder
The University of Alabama’s ASD College Transition and Support Program provides personal training from faculty members, peer mentoring from students, and clinical psychologists for autistic students.
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University of Arizona
Assistance Type: Learning disabilities
The University of Arizona is home to a well-known program called the Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques Center, known as SALT. Students are paired with a strategic learning specialist and can access tutoring and necessary psychological services.
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University of California-Irvine
Assistance Type: all disabilities
Providing a culture of inclusion and equal opportunity for students with disabilities is a campus-wide responsibility and commitment at UCI Irvine. Supported by a robust Disability Services Center, students have access to an extensive suite of services to empower them to maximize their abilities to thrive in today’s global community.
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University of Connecticut
Assistance Type: Broad group of disabilities
The Strategic Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (SEAD) at the University of Connecticut is designed to help students by easing the transition through staff connections, as well as with social abilities and skills that can be used on the job market.
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University of Denver
Assistance Type: Broad group of disabilities
The University of Denver provides comprehensive support and resources for students with disabilities through its Disability Services Program (DSP). The DSP offers a wide range of accommodations, services, and resources to help students succeed in college.
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University of Indianapolis
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities, including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder
The BUILD Program at the University of Indianapolis provides one-on-one scheduled tutoring, walk-in tutoring, a specialized study skills course, general education courses designed for BUILD students, autism social groups and activities, private study, and more.
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University of Iowa
Assistance Type: Learning & Cognitive Disabilities; Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Physical Disabilities
On top of providing campus transportation for disabilities and assistive devices for students who are deaf and hard of hearing, the University of Iowa is home to the Realizing Education and Career Hopes (UI REACH) program, which is a comprehensive transition program for students with intellectual and learning disabilities. Students take integrated courses, attend social and sporting events, take internships, and do mock interviews to practice. The university also provides a robust program full of academic accommodations, support services, and assistive technology to help students with disabilities succeed in college.
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University of Montana
Assistance Type: Autism Spectrum Disorder
The MOSSAIC program (Mentoring, Organization, and Social Support for Autism/All Inclusion on Campus) is a University of Montana program for students and community members. MOSSAIC supports people with Autism and related disorders.
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University of North Texas
Assistance Type: Learning Disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder
UNT's Neurodiversity Network comprises six existing student supports at the University of North Texas. These programs support students in obtaining degrees, gaining skills for independent living, developing self-management, gaining employment (both pre-and post-graduation), and enhancing their overall “college” experience.
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University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Assistance Learning: Learning Disabilities & Autism Spectrum Disorder
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga's program provides a variety of academic accommodations, support services, and assistive technology to help students with disabilities succeed in college. This may include extended time on exams, alternative testing arrangements, and special equipment or software to support learning. The program also provides individualized support and mentorship to help students with disabilities navigate college life and develop important life skills. In addition, the program works closely with faculty and staff to ensure a supportive and inclusive campus environment for students with disabilities.
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University of the Ozarks
Assistance Type: All Learning Disabilities, including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder
The University of the Ozarks supports students with all types of learning disabilities, including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Their program provides academic accommodations, support services, and assistive technology to help students with disabilities succeed in college. This may include extended time on exams, alternative testing arrangements, and special equipment or software to support learning. The program also provides individualized support and mentorship to help students with disabilities navigate college life and develop important life skills.
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University of West Florida
Assistance Type: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Career-centric, the University of South Florida’s autism program at The Learning Academy pairs students with mentors, orchestrates group activities and helps students find jobs that highlight their strengths. This is not a residential program.
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West Virginia Wesleyan College
Assistance Type: Learning disabilities, focus on ADHD
West Virginia Wesleyan College offers a comprehensive disability support program to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to all academic and co-curricular opportunities. The program provides various resources, including academic accommodations, support services, and assistive technology, to help students with disabilities succeed in college.
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Western Kentucky University
Assistance Type: Autism Spectrum Disorder
WKU has a comprehensive program to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorders called the Autism Spectrum Support Program (ASSP). The program provides individualized support to help students succeed academically, socially, and personally. This support includes academic coaching, mentorship, and individualized accommodations to help students with autism spectrum disorders overcome any challenges they may face in college.
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Western Michigan University
Assistance Type: Autism Spectrum Disorder
WMU's Autism Spectrum Disorder Assistance Program (ASDAP) supports students in their academic and personal development. The program provides various resources, including one-on-one support, mentorship, and academic coaching, to help students with autism spectrum disorders succeed in college.
Scholarships for students with disabilities
Students with disabilities often face financial barriers on their journey toward a college degree. Fortunately, many organizations, foundations, and government agencies offer scholarships to help. We recommend researching this type of funding and applying for as many scholarships as possible to help cover costs. Here are a couple of examples of this type of scholarship.
Scholarships for vision-impaired students
Several organizations provide scholarships specifically for vision-impaired students. These scholarships include:
- American Council of the Blind (ACB) Scholarships: Offers scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $7,500 to legally blind students pursuing technical, undergraduate, or graduate education. Eligible applicants must be U.S. residents.
- American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Scholarships: Provides multiple scholarships to legally blind students. Eligibility criteria and application details can be found on the AFB website.
- Council of Citizens with Low Vision International – Fred Scheigert Scholarship: Awards 30 scholarships, ranging from $3,000 to $12,000, to legally blind students. Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes and planning to attend postsecondary study in the United States.
- National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Scholarship Program: Offers 30 scholarships each year, ranging from $3,000 to $12,000, to legally blind students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or residents of the United States or Puerto Rico.
Eligibility requirements and application deadlines may vary for each scholarship. To learn more, visit the respective organization's website for detailed information and application procedures.
Scholarships for hearing-impaired students
For students with hearing impairments, there are scholarships available to support their educational pursuits. These scholarships include:
- SERTOMA – Service to Mankind Scholarships: Provides scholarships of $1,000 to individuals with hearing impairments and communicative disorders. Applicants must have a minimum 40dB bilateral hearing loss.
- AG Bell College Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships to students with bilateral hearing loss who use listening and spoken language as their primary communication mode. Applicants must attend a mainstream university and be working toward a four-year undergraduate or graduate degree.
Eligibility requirements and application deadlines may vary for each scholarship. To learn more, visit the respective organization's website for detailed information and application procedures.
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