Post-Secondary Options for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Below is information on post-secondary programs collected by Children’s Resource Center-North, a part of Wisconsin Wayfinder. We are a part of a statewide network of resources and services for families with children with disabilities/ special health care needs. We do not endorse any of the programs listed and suggest that you contact them directly for information, as funding and eligibility vary. Some programs are Certified Transition Programs (CTP), which can then be funded by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).

Local/Regional Non-residential Programs

Nicolet College Jump Start Program www.nicoletcollege.edu/programs-degrees/jumpstart

  • Rhinelander, WI
  • Funding through local school districts and Headwaters Inc, private pay and scholarships
  • $500 per course, 5 courses offered (two per semester), not for academic credit
  • No campus housing options
  • Focus on college readiness and employment

Northwood Technical College Hospitality Program

www.northwoodtech.edu/academic-programs/degree-programs-and-certificates/hospitality-foundations

  • 16 week certificate program (either Fall or Spring semester depending on location)
  • Four locations: Ashland, Superior, New Richmond, Rice Lake
  • Funding through school district or DVR often covers the fee of $1000
  • List of housing available but cannot provide additional support.
  • Focus on job skills in hospitality industry.

Residential Programs 

Able Light College at Concordia University in Mequon, WI AbleLight College

  • 2-year residential program focused on independent living and employment
  • Cost: $46,000 a year, including room and board
  • Funding: private and Long-term support (CTP status pending)
  • For students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism
  • Certificate of Applied Learning, offers internships, volunteer and community experience

Cutting Edge at Edgewood College in Madison, WI www.edgewood.edu/cutting-edge

  • 4-year residential program with inclusive housing on/off campus or specialized off campus
  • Cost: $31,000- $36,000 depending on if degree-seeking, $12,000 for room and board
  • Funding: CTP, DVR, private, long-term support, scholarships
  • 28 students with Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities, Autism, and/or Physical Disabilities
  • Multiple certificate and degree options.

Lakeland University, Sheboygan, WI– Life and Career Studies Program

  • 4-year residential program
  • Cost: $30,000 a year, including room and board
  • Goals: academic, personal growth, social skills, employment
  • Funding: private and long-term support (CTP pending)

Shepherds College, near Racine, WI shepherdscollege.edu/

  • 3-year residential program, focusing on social, emotional, academic, and spiritual growth.
  • 110 students on campus
  • 3 tracks: Technology, Culinary, Horticulture
  • Cost: $64,000 a year, including room and board
  • Funding: private, long-term support, scholarships

UW Whitewater LIFE program, Whitewater, WI www.uww.edu/coeps/departments/life-program

  • Basic Program is 2 years and Advanced Program is 2 years. Residential program. 13 students
  • Cost: $34,454 a year, includes room and board
  • Funding: CTP, federal funds, DVR, private, long-term support
  • Goals: independent living skills and employment

BUILD program at Bethel in St, Paul, MN  www.bethel.edu/academics/build/

  • 2-year program tracks in Arts and Communications, Business, Human Services for a Certificate of Applied Studies.
  • Funding: CTP, Federal Aid, long-term support, DVR, private, scholarships
  • Cost: $59,365 a year, includes room and board