Post-Graduation Education Resources
Helpful Documents
For additional transition-related resources, visit the Resource Library at ThinkCollege.net and select Transition from the topics list.
Exploration
Understanding the Differences Between High School and College
Students getting ready to enter college need to plan for the ways that higher education will be different from high school. These differences include higher academic expectations, increasing independence, and new social environments.
Understanding the Differences Between High School and College
Understanding the Differences Between High School and College - Spanish
College Planning Timeline
Getting ready for college takes a lot of planning. Use this timeline during grades 9 to 12 to get started on the process.
Exploring the Options of a Two- or Four-Year College
This fact sheet provides information for students with disabilities who would like to attend college. Most colleges and universities provide services and/or
accommodations for students with disabilities, as mandated by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). However, some are more comprehensive than others.
Exploring the Options of a Two- or Four-Year College
Exploring the Options of a Two- or Four-Year College -Spanish
Expectations
Post-Secondary Education Expectations
This fact sheet provides information for parents to assist them in advising their child about what to expect of a post-secondary educational experience.
Post-Secondary Education Expectations
Post-Secondary Education Expectations - Spanish
Entitlement vs. Eligibility
This fact sheet provides an explanation of the difference between entitlement for services and eligibility for services.
Entitlement vs. Eligibility - Spanish
Getting Accommodations in College
Accommodations are supports and services provided at no cost to eligible students with disabilities to have equal access and opportunity to benefit from classes, programs, and activities.
Paying for College
Paying for College: Exploring Funding Sources
Any student preparing for college must have a plan to pay for college and students with intellectual disability (ID) are likely to use many of the same resources as other college students to pay for college. There are some resources specific to individuals with disabilities to consider, as well.
Paying for College: Exploring Funding Sources
Paying for College: Exploring Funding Sources - Spanish
Federal Financial Aid for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
This Insight Brief discusses how students with intellectual disability can utilize federal financial aid to help pay for college. This publication is updated annually to reflect current legislation and policy related to federal financial aid for students with intellectual disabilities. The information provided is current as of January 2023.
Federal Financial Aid for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Scholarships for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
There are scholarships available for students with intellectual disability who want to go to college. This resource was created to help families and others locate scholarship money to help pay for college. There are scholarships listed that any student is eligible for, and many that are for students with specific disabilities. The information included in this document is up-to-date as of February 2024.
Scholarships for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE): Savings Accounts for People with Disabilities
Think College Fast Fact #28 describes the ABLE Act passed in 2014, and explains that through the passage of this Act, people with disabilities have the opportunity to open tax-advantaged savings accounts. This national public policy recognized the significant costs and extra expenses associated with living with a disability and opened the door to saving without impacting eligibility for means-tested benefits, such as SSI and Medicaid.
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE): Savings Accounts for People with Disabilities
Use of Medicaid Waivers to Support Students with Intellectual Disability in College
An increasing number of states allow students with intellectual disability (ID) to use Medicaid Home and Community Based Services waivers to support participation in postsecondary education (PSE) programs. These waiver services support access to higher education for students receiving Medicaid services who might otherwise not be able to attend postsecondary education. This Insight Brief explains what Medicaid Waivers are, what PSE services they can be used for, and how to access waiver services.
Use of Medicaid Waivers to Support Students with Intellectual Disability in College
Webinar Recording
High School vs. College: What's the Difference
