Prospective Students

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

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  Between the ages of 18-25 years old.
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  Graduated from high school and/or exited from special education services.
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  Have a documented intellectual disability.
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  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: 

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

Applications for Fall 2025 are now open through January 15, 2025. Click here to apply or preview the application. 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)

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. 

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  Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): funding for active Vocational Rehabilitation clients who receive Transitional Learning Services are currently awarded $3,000-$5,000 per semester for 4-6 semesters. Click here to learn more about VR.
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  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. 
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  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. 
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  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