Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility for the ACCESS Program
To be eligible for admission to the ACCESS Program, applicants must have an intellectual and developmental disability that significantly interferes with their academic performance, social development, and independent living skills. Graduates of the ACCESS Program receive a Certificate of Completion. Students eligible for the ACCESS Program are generally not eligible for admission to a degree program at a college or university.
Desired Applicants Display the Following:
- Diagnosed with an intellectual and/or developmental disability
- Preferably between 18 and 26 years of age upon admission to the program
- Strong desire to live and work independently
- Functional reading and math skills (e.g., demonstrate comprehension of basic text, ability to apply basic math applications such as addition and subtraction, identification, and basic understanding of money, etc.)
- Adequate communication skills to interact with others
- Understanding of technology and electronic communications (e.g., usage of smartphone, text messaging, emailing, etc.)
- Demonstrates independence, motivation, and stability with minor assistance
- Handles changes in routine and is flexible in fluctuating circumstances
- Follows direction and guidance of those in authority
- Prior employment or volunteer experience preferred
- Independence in handling specialized dietary requirements, medical needs, medication, and hygiene (ACCESS Program staff will not manage, supervise, or administer medications)
- Unified commitment from family to support the goals of the ACCESS Program
- Ability to navigate a daily routine (e.g., read and conceptualize time and dates, independently transition throughout the day, etc.)
- Ability to self-manage when left unsupervised for an extended period of time
- Commitment to a four-year transition program
Please visit Apply for detailed information about applying to the ACCESS Program.
Skills to Work on to Better Prepare for the ACCESS Program
To better prepare a student for the ACCESS Program, we suggest working on the following skills:
- Personal Hygiene
- Following Schedules, Understanding Times and Dates
- Administering Medications
- Laundry
- Housekeeping
- Sending and Receiving Text Messages and Emails
No, students must have completed high school with either a certificate of completion, occupational diploma, or traditional high school diploma.
Housing Requirements for ACCESS Program Students
- ACCESS Program students are required to live in on-campus housing. If the student has a roommate, it must be another ACCESS Program student. Students live among traditional MSU students in various residence halls across campus. Students may transition to off-campus housing during their senior year if ACCESS Program staff and parents feel that they are ready.
Living Requirements for ACCESS Program Students
- The ACCESS Program does not provide a day program for students. Living on campus allows ACCESS Program students to learn to live more independently and become more socially involved. As part of the program, students enrolled in the on-campus program are required to live on the MSU campus.
No. Students enrolled in the ACCESS Program are not eligible to earn a traditional college degree through the program. The ACCESS Program provides students with a Certificate of Completion, which focuses on preparing them for independent living and employment. While students have the opportunity to take university courses as part of their transition experience, they are not pursuing a degree program. The ACCESS Program is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience tailored to the individual needs of students, focusing on life skills, employment, and personal development.
Classroom Accommodations for ACCESS Program Students
The ACCESS Program staff assists in determining the classroom accommodations that are most appropriate for students based on documentation of their disability. Communication with instructors regarding accommodations is encouraged. The Disability Resource Center will provide eligible students with Notification Letters regarding their classroom and testing accommodations to give to their professors. Accommodations for ACCESS Program students will follow the same process as MSU students who use the Disability Resource Center for accommodations.
Examples of classroom and testing accommodations may include:
- Adapted testing arrangements
- Extended time on tests
- Testing in a distraction-free environment
- Assistance with alternative formats of textbooks
- Advocacy with the MSU Housing Department for living arrangements
Please note that 24-hour assistance and the administration of medications are not available for ACCESS Program students.
Yes! The ACCESS Program will accept out-of-state students. At this time, out-of-state tuition is waived.
Estimated Costs Per Semester for ACCESS Program Students
- ACCESS Program Fees = $10,100
- Housing = $4,466 - $4,865
- University Courses (min. of 3 hours/semester) = $419/credit hour
- Meal Plan = $2,143+
- Books = Subject to course requirements
Tuition is subject to change. These estimates are accurate as of July 2024.
Cost of Attendance for Mississippi State University is available at https://www.sfa.msstate.edu/cost.
Yes. The ACCESS Program is certified by the Board of Education as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP). As a result, students are eligible to apply for Financial Aid. To apply, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. For questions, call the Financial Aid office at 662.325.2450. The priority deadline to apply for FASFA is April 1.
Tuition Support and Financial Assistance for ACCESS Program Families
Families are strongly encouraged to enroll with their Vocational Rehabilitation office (MS Dept. of Rehabilitation Services, MDRS, for MS students), which offers funding opportunities for tuition stipends. However, to receive these funds, families must complete the FAFSA application. The Higher Education Act also provides an opportunity to Pell grants and work-study opportunities. Additionally, we continue to solicit private, community, and state funds to assist with tuition support.
The ACCESS Program only admits freshmen students for the fall semester beginning in August.
At this time, the ACCESS Program does not provide private visits or tours. Each fall, the ACCESS Program hosts Preview Day which provides prospective applicants and their families the opportunity to learn about the program, meet current ACCESS Program students and staff, and tour the campus. If you are interested in touring the campus at other times throughout the year, please schedule a campus tour with the Office of Admissions and Scholarships.
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