7 Colleges that Support Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD

As you navigate the college admissions process with your neurodivegent student, it is important to understand the differences between support in high school and college. All US colleges and universities that receive federal funding are required to have a designated office where reasonable accommodations are provided to students with disabilities. Students are expected to request and manage their accommodations through the disability office. Self advocacy is a must and students should have an understanding of themselves as learners and what their needs are. This marks a significant change from high school, where the school takes responsibility for identifying and evaluating students with disabilities and developing an IEP or 504 plan to support their success.

It is essential to assess what support your student anticipates needing as they transition to college. Common accommodations offered through college disability services are extended time on exams, assistive technology, adapted course materials, a note taker and early registration. If you determine that your student would benefit from more individualized and intensive support, specialized programs can be found at all types of colleges and universities.

In a previous post, we highlighted programs created for neurodivergent students and those with an ASD diagnosis. This follow up post features programs designed for students with learning disabilities and ADHD who may benefit from additional support beyond the typical accommodations provided by all colleges.

Read on for information on some well regarded programs:

McDaniel College, Westminster, Maryland

Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,631

Elevate is a three tiered, fee-based program that provides services  beyond standard academic accommodations. Tier 1 is designed for first year and transfer students, offering the most comprehensive support including two weekly meetings with an academic counselor and graduate assistant, priority course registration, individual tutoring and early move in. Additionally, Elevate offers three enhancement programs to support the following skills; social connections, study skills and executive functioning. Tier 1 students select two skills programs, tier 2 students (sophomores) select one and tier 3 students (juniors/seniors) can participate for an additional fee. Cost for Elevate is posted prior to each semester.

University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

Undergraduate Enrollment: 45,000

The Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques Center (SALT) is a fee based program with a cost of $3500/semester for freshman and sophomore years and $1700/semester for junior and senior years. SALT offers many components of comprehensive support. Students meet weekly with a support specialist who assists with goal setting, organization, learning strategies and the development of an individual learning plan. Individual and group tutoring, as well as counseling services are offered. SALT regularly hosts student social events and workshops on topics such as study skills, exam prep and note taking.

American University, Washington, DC

Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,400

The Learning Services Program (LSP) is unique in that it is only offered to first year students and there is a one time fee of $5,000. LSP offers weekly one on one meetings with a learning specialist, weekly meetings with a tutor for the first year writing class, course advising and a peer mentor.

Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,500

Marist’s fee based Learning Support Program (LSP) provides support to students with Learning Disabilities and/or ADD/ADHD and the cost is $2965/ per semester. LSP students meet twice weekly with a learning specialist who not only provides academic support but helps students develop self-advocacy skills and effective learning strategies. Additionally, LSP offers monthly workshops, peer mentoring and assistance connecting to campus resources.

Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York

Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,900

OnTrack is a two year program with a cost of $3,200 the first year and $1,650 the second. The goal of OnTrack is to offer support and guidance as students transition to college life. There are weekly meetings with a coach who provides assistance in areas such as; time management, organization, independence and setting goals. 

Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio

Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,500

Bishop ACCESS is a fee-based program ($2700 per semester) designed to support students for four years. Each student is paired with an academic coach who helps set goals and develop a personalized semester plan. Weekly meetings focus on time management, learning strategies and executive functioning skills. Coaches collaborate with academic advisors and instructors and provide mid and end of semester reports to parents. ACCESS also offers workshops on academics and campus life, as well as peer mentoring  for additional academic support.

Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida

Undergraduate Enrollment: 2800

The Institute for Achievement & Learning (IAL) is a fee-based program ($6,000/semester) that focuses on helping students achieve academic success and build confidence through goal setting, access to resources and individualized support. Academic coaches support IAL students in academics, as well as independent living  and executive functioning skills.  A tutoring center offers a variety of tutoring services. 

If you need assistance building a college list for a neurodivergent student, The College Spy can help. Details of our College List Building package can be found here.