Frequently Asked Questions
Those eligible to apply for admission to ACCESS must have an intellectual and developmental disability that significantly interferes with their academic performance, social development, and independent living skills. ACCESS graduates receive a Certificate of Completion. Students who are eligible for ACCESS are generally not eligible for admission to a degree program from 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, flexible in fluctuating circumstances
- Follows direction and guidance of those in authority
- Prior employment or volunteer experience preferable
- Independence in handling specialized dietary requirements, medical needs, medication, and hygiene (ACCESS staff will not manage, supervise, or administer medications)
- Unified commitment from family to support goals of ACCESS
- Navigate a daily routine (read and conceptualize time and dates, independently transition throughout day, etc.)
- Ability to self-manage when left unsupervised for an extended period of time
- Commitment to a 4-year transition program
Please visit Apply for detailed information about applying to ACCESS.
To better prepare a student for ACCESS, 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.
ACCESS students are required to live in on-campus housing. If the student has a roommate, it must be another ACCESS student. Students live inclusively among traditional MSU students in various residence halls across campus. Students may transition to off-campus housing their senior year if ACCESS Staff and Parents feel that they are ready.
ACCESS does not provide a day program for students. Living on campus allows ACCESS students to learn to live more independently and become more socially involved so students enrolled in the on-campus program are required to live on the MSU campus.
No. University course curriculums for ACCESS students are generally modified to meet the needs of the students; therefore, the full course-load is not completed by the student.
ACCESS Staff assists in determining the classroom accommodations that are most appropriate for students with disabilities based on documentation of their disability. We encourage communication with instructors regarding accommodations. 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 Students will be done in the same process as MSU students who use the Disability Resource Center for accommodations.
Examples of classroom and testing accommodations are varied but may include: Adapted testing arrangements, extended time on tests, testing in a distraction-free environment, assistance with alternative formats of textbooks, and advocacy with the MSU Housing Department for help with living arrangements. 24-hour assistance and administering of medications are not available for ACCESS students.
Yes! ACCESS will accept out-of-state students. At this time, out-of-state tuition is waived.
Estimated Costs Per Semester:
- 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. ACCESS 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.
Families are strongly encouraged to enroll with your Vocational Rehabilitation (MS Dept. of Rehabilitation Services, MDRS, for MS students) office who has funding available for tuition stipends. However, for students to receive these funds, families must complete the FAFSA application. The Higher Education Act also provides access to Pell grants and work study opportunities. We continue to solicit private, community, and state funds for tuition support assistance.
ACCESS only admits freshmen students for the fall semester beginning in August.
At this time, ACCESS does not provide private visits or tours. Each fall, ACCESS hosts Preview Day which provide prospective applicants and their families the opportunity to learn about the program, meet ACCESS 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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