Prospective Students

Eligibility

Access ETSU offers supplemental supports to young adults with an intellectual disability (ID) who seek to enhance their academic, career development, and social skills alongside their peers at ETSU.

Required Eligibility Criteria

Students who meet the following required criteria are eligible to apply to receive services from Access ETSU:

Between the ages of 18-25 years old.
Graduated from high school and/or exited from special education services.
Have a documented intellectual disability.
Have a personal desire to continue their education at the university level and expand their employment prospects.

Suggested Eligibility Criteria

The following criteria are highly suggested for students to be successful at the post-secondary level. However, none of the following prohibit a student from being accepted:

Independence in basic daily living skills (e.g., hygiene, eating, etc.)
Able to express wants, desires, and needs using a consistent method of communication
Minimal assistance with/working on mastering following a schedule
Demonstrates/working on mastering basic technology skills
Family supports student entering program
Basic functional literacy and math skills

Decisions are made on an individual basis. All prospective students who meet the required eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply. E-mail with any questions regarding eligibility criteria.

Application Process

Applicants are now open for Fall 2024 and will be accepted through December 31, 2023. Click here to apply E-mail accessetsu@etsu.edu with any questions.

You will need the following documents to apply:

Proof of intellectual disability
Petition for Conservatorship (if applicable)

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FAQs

What can I expect as a student?

You will attend classes and participate in internships or employment opportunities of your choice. You will have access to all supports, services, campus activities, and resources that ETSU has to offer. Throughout your day, you will be offered the support of BucMates who accompany you to class, internships, jobs, and events as well as help you navigate campus as you gain independence.
What will my schedule look like?

We encourage students to take advantage of all that our campus has to offer. The times and days are flexible based on your chosen classes and internships. Not a morning person? Schedule your classes in the afternoon! Want Fridays off? Schedule your classes on Monday-Thursday. We will work with you to build your desired schedule every semester.
Is transportation provided?

Although we do not provide transportation, we will offer resources and suggestions for securing reliable transportation. Many of our students come to campus using public transportation, family, or carpool with friends
How much does it cost to attend ETSU?

Click here for more information about cost and ways to pay. Many of our students utilize financial aid and scholarships and attend for free or at low cost.
Why should I go to college?

Youth who receive post-secondary education (PSE) services as part of their individualized plan for employment were 14% more likely to exit with paid integrated employment and earned 51% higher wages than those who did not access PSE services as reported by ThinkCollege.net.

Cost & Financial Support

Services provided by Access ETSU are designated as a federally approved Comprehensive Transition Program. This means that students who are receiving support from Access ETSU are eligible for federal financial aid. Students are highly encouraged to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to determine eligibility for financial aid.

Below is a list of other funding sources that could assist with tuition and fees. There may be others. There is no guarantee you will receive these funds as each have different eligibility requirements.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): funding for active Vocational Rehabilitation clients who receive Transitional Learning Services are currently awarded $3,000 per semester for 4 semesters. Click here to learn more about VR.
Individual Education And Training Services: an option for ECF (Employment and Community First Choices) recipient funds for the reimbursement of college expenses (i.e. tuition, books, transportation), up to $500 per year. The Managed Care Organization is the responsible party to authorize a service for a member based on their needs and assessment. Click here to learn more about ECF Choices.
529 College Savings Plans: For more information visit: Families can set up an account for their child with I/DD or utilize funds saved for  another child Click here to learn more about the 529 Savings Plan.
Private and Non-profit Scholarships: Students and families should explore scholarship opportunities through their communities, local agencies, and diagnosis-related organizations. Past students have received $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships from their church families, The Arc, Ruby’s Rainbow, Down Syndrome Associations, Williams Syndrome Association and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Haley Elise Van Pelt Scholarship