Navigating higher education can be challenging for any student, but neurodivergent students often face additional obstacles that require tailored support. Several colleges and universities across the United States have developed specialized programs to ensure that neurodivergent students not only succeed but thrive in their academic and social environments. 

QRKIEZ highlights prominent programs at U.S. colleges and details what makes them stand out. Contact us with your school’s info if you’d like to add to our list.

Adelphi University (Garden City, NY)

• Program: Bridges to Adelphi
• Overview: The Bridges to Adelphi program is a comprehensive support system for students with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and nonverbal learning disabilities. The program offers a combination of academic support, social opportunities, and career guidance.
• Key Features:
  • Personalized academic coaching and tutoring.
  • Social skills groups and peer mentoring to foster community and support.
  • Career preparation services, including internships and job placement assistance.

Beacon College (Leesburg, FL)

• Overview: Beacon College is another institution dedicated entirely to neurodivergent students. It specializes in educating students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other learning differences. The college offers a supportive environment where students can flourish both academically and socially.
• Key Features:
  • Individualized learning plans and small class sizes.
  • A strong focus on career readiness, including internships and job placement support.
  • Extensive support services, including tutoring, counseling, and executive functioning coaching.

Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, Ohio)

• Program: Falcon Learning Your Way Program (FLY)
• Overview: The FLY Program is a leader among public universities for helping students with learning differences. FLY supports students with ADHD, specific learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, and/or other learning challenges. The program provides students with individualized academic support that focuses on developing executive functioning skills, learning strategies, and self-advocacy to foster independent learning.
• Key Features:
  • A weekly, one-on-one meeting with a learning specialist that is tailored to the student’s needs.
  • Exclusive access to a professional math specialist, study lab support, and a testing center.
  • Unlimited peer tutoring for math, writing, and challenging courses.

Curry College (Milton, MA)

• Program: Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL)
• Overview: Curry College’s PAL is one of the oldest and most respected programs for students with learning disabilities and ADHD. The program offers a range of academic support services tailored to individual needs.
• Key Features:
  • Personalized academic coaching and mentoring.
  • Workshops on executive functioning, study strategies, and time management.
  • A dedicated faculty with expertise in learning differences.

Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)

• Program: Center for Autism and Neurodiversity
• Overview: Drexel University’s autism support program is designed specifically for students on the autism spectrum. The program provides academic, social, and career support through a structured, comprehensive approach.
• Key Features:
  • Weekly meetings with program staff to discuss academic progress and challenges.
  • Social activities and peer mentoring to help students integrate into campus life.
  • Workshops on executive functioning, time management, and career readiness.

Fairleigh Dickinson University (Teaneck, NJ)

• Program: COMPASS Program
• Overview: Fairleigh Dickinson COMPASS Program provides comprehensive support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The program offers a range of services aimed at promoting academic success and personal growth.
• Key Features:
  • Two hours of individualized, hands-on academic support.
  • One hour of individual counseling.
  • One group therapy session.

Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY)

• Program: Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS)
• Overview: Hofstra University’s PALS program is designed to support students with learning disabilities and ADHD. The program provides individualized support through academic coaching, mentoring, and skill-building workshops.
• Key Features:
  • Personalized academic support and tutoring.
  • Workshops on study strategies, executive functioning, and self-advocacy.
  • A dedicated faculty with expertise in working with neurodivergent students.

Landmark College (Putney, VT)

• Overview: Landmark College is unique in that it is entirely dedicated to students with learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. As a pioneer in neurodivergent education, Landmark offers a curriculum and campus life fully adapted to the needs of its students.
• Key Features:
  • Small class sizes with faculty trained in teaching students with learning differences.
  • Robust support services, including coaching, counseling, and a career development office.
  • Emphasis on technology and tools that aid in learning and organization.

Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI)

• Program: On Your Marq Program
• Overview: Marquette University offers a program specifically for students on the autism spectrum. The goals of the program are the discovery and sharing of knowledge, the fostering of personal and professional excellence, and leadership development.
• Key Features:
  • Weekly seminars for program members.
  • Peer mentors and one-on-one coaching.
  • Mental health support.

Marshall University (Huntington, WV)

• Program: H.E.L.P. Program (Higher Education for Learning Problems)
• Overview: The H.E.L.P. Program at Marshall University has been supporting students with learning disabilities and ADHD since 1981. The program provides individualized support through academic tutoring, mentoring, and psychological services.
• Key Features:
  • One-on-one tutoring sessions tailored to the student’s learning needs.
  • Psychological counseling and support groups.
  • A focus on developing self-advocacy and time management skills.

Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY)

• Program: Spectrum Support Program (SSP)
• Overview: RIT’s Spectrum Support Program is tailored for students on the autism spectrum, providing resources and support to ensure a successful transition to college life. The program offers a range of services from academic coaching to social skills development.
• Key Features:
  • Peer mentoring programs that pair neurodivergent students with trained peers.
  • Regular meetings with professional staff to set and review academic and personal goals.
  • Access to specialized workshops focusing on study skills, social communication, and independent living.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Carbondale, IL)

• Program: Achieve Program
• Overview: The Achieve Program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is designed to support students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. The program provides a comprehensive support system to help students succeed academically and personally.
• Key Features:
  • Personalized academic coaching and tutoring.
  • Workshops on time management, study skills, and executive functioning.
  • A focus on building self-advocacy and independent living skills.

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)

• Program: UA-ACTS (Autism College Transition and Support)
• Overview: The UA-ACTS program at the University of Alabama is specifically designed to assist students on the autism spectrum in transitioning to college life and succeeding academically. The program focuses on providing personalized support in academic, social, and independent living skills.
• Key Features:
  • Individualized academic coaching and mentoring tailored to the needs of each student.
  • Social skills training and peer mentoring to help students engage in campus life.
  • Executive functioning workshops that emphasize time management, organization, and study skills.

University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)

• Program: Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center
• Overview: The SALT Center at the University of Arizona is one of the most renowned programs for students with learning and attention challenges. Established over 40 years ago, the program offers personalized support, including academic coaching, tutoring, and workshops on executive functioning and time management.
• Key Features:
  • Comprehensive academic support tailored to individual learning styles.
  • Access to a team of learning specialists who provide one-on-one coaching.
  • A focus on building self-advocacy skills to help students navigate their college experience.

University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)

• Program: UC Berkeley Neurodiversity Initiative
• Overview: The Neurodiversity Initiative at UC Berkeley is dedicated to supporting neurodivergent students, including those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning disabilities. The program offers a range of resources and support services to help students succeed in their academic and social lives.
• Key Features:
  • Peer mentorship programs that connect neurodivergent students with trained mentors.
  • Workshops on executive functioning, social skills, and career development.
  • A focus on building a neurodiversity-friendly campus culture through awareness and education initiatives.

University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)

• Program: Beyond Access Program
• Overview: The Beyond Access Program at UConn is designed to help neurodivergent students develop strategies for academic success. The program offers personalized coaching and workshops that focus on executive functioning, self-advocacy, and social skills.
• Key Features:
  • Individualized coaching sessions focusing on academic and personal development.
  • Workshops on time management, organization, and social interaction.
  • Access to a team of professionals dedicated to supporting neurodivergent students.

University of Denver (Denver, CO)

• Program: Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP)
• Overview: The LEP at the University of Denver is designed to support students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. The program emphasizes the development of skills needed for academic success and independent living.
• Key Features:
  • Individualized academic support and tutoring.
  • Workshops on executive functioning, study strategies, and social skills.
  • A low student-to-staff ratio, ensuring personalized attention.

University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)

• Program: Academy for Twice-Exceptionality
• Overview: The Academy for Twice-Exceptionality is part of the University of Iowa’s honors college and serves students with intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities. It is especially well-regarded for its support of students on the autism spectrum.
• Key Features:
  • Automatic acceptance into the university’s honors program.
  • Weekly connections with staff from the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development 
  • Comprehensive support in academic, social, and independent living skills.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Greensboro, NC)

• Program: Integrated Community Studies
• Overview: Also known as Beyond Academics, this UNC Greensboro program provides a four-year, inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
• Key Features:
  • A curriculum designed to promote self-determination and independent living.
  • Career-focused internships and employment opportunities.
  • Social engagement and peer mentoring.

University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN)

• Program: Student Disability Services
• Overview: The University of Tennessee offers robust support through its Student Disability Services, catering to students with a wide range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism.
• Key Features:
  • Academic accommodations such as extended time on tests and note-taking assistance.
  • Individualized coaching and mentoring.
  • Programs focused on developing self-advocacy and life skills.

University of West Florida (Pensacola, FL)

• Program: Student Accessibility Resources (SAR)
• Overview: The Student Accessibility Resources at the University of West Florida provide support and accommodations for students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The program ensures that all students have equal access to educational opportunities.
• Key Features:
  • Academic accommodations, including extended time on exams and note-taking services.
  • Individualized support plans tailored to each student’s needs.
  • Workshops and resources focused on study skills, time management, and self-advocacy.

The colleges and universities highlighted in this blog post are leaders in providing the support and resources necessary for neurodivergent students to succeed. Whether through specialized programs, dedicated faculty, or comprehensive support services, these institutions are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for neurodivergent students. We intend to expand this listing with new colleges over time. Reach out to us to add your program’s info. Contact us to be added to our list.

Here are some resources from Top College Consultants for neurodivergent students to consider when seeking out special programs for the neurodivergent.

The colleges and universities listed above represent a growing movement of support for neurodivergent students across the U.S., and QRKIEZ plans to continue bringing you valuable information on such programs. Follow us on social and join our waitlist to keep up with our growing list of resources!