01 Montgomery Hall
P.O. Box 806
Mississippi State, MS 39762
| Program Contact | Beca Spencer |
| rspencer@saffairs.msstate.edu | |
| Phone | 662.325.8375 |
| Website | http://www.access.msstate.edu |
| link to program Facebook page |
ACCESS at Mississippi State University promotes successful transition of students with intellectual disabilities into higher education. ACCESS (Academics, Campus Life, Community Involvement, Employment Opportunities, Socialization, and Self-Awareness) provides inclusive opportunities for diverse learners to realize their full potential with appropriate supports for academic and social success. ACCESS students participate in university catalog courses, live in on-campus residential housing, engage in professional internships, and enjoy an active social life with friends. ACCESS is designed to reduce the amount of support needed by the student as he or she progresses through the program and into the world of independence. Upon completing the four-year ACCESS program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion and will participate in MSU’s graduation ceremonies.
In addition to our on-campus program, ACCESS also offers online personal enrichment courses that serve as educational programming for those who would benefit from developing their functional life skills. Our online courses are based on our on-campus courses and are excellent for students at transition age (14+) through adulthood, whether they are working toward applying for a post-secondary transition program or growing independent living skills and identifying future career paths. There is no application or interview process required to enroll. For more information or to register, please visit our website: www.access.msstate.edu/online-education.
Program information submitted: February 25, 2021
| General | |
|---|---|
| Public or private: | Public |
| Type of school: | 4-year college or university |
| Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? | No |
| Students in this program: | Have graduated or exited from high school |
| Number of students: | 26 |
| Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Program serves students who have left high school? | Yes, all of our students have left high school |
| Regular H.S. diploma required? | No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted |
| Deadline to apply to this program: | October 1 - December 1 |
| Link to admissions process: | Admissions link |
| Accepts out-of-state students?: | Yes |
| Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have: |
|
| Program length: | 4 years |
| Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates | |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate for the most recent fall term | 64.00% |
| Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one | 100.00% |
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Average student tuition and fees for the current school year | $8750.00 |
| Average out-of-state tuition, current year | $8750.00 |
| Room and board: | $4000.00 |
| Additional costs: |
Meal Plan = $1,875-$2,019 |
| Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? | Yes |
| Students pay for the program in the following ways: |
|
| Academic | |
|---|---|
| Students take these types of "typical" courses (with students who don't have disabilities): | Typical college courses for audit |
| Students take courses that are only for students in this program: | Yes |
| Are students in this program able to access support services through your IHE disability services office? | Yes |
| Information on special classes: |
ACESS teaches courses designed to improved independent living such as Money Math, Campus and Community Access, Everyday Communication, and more. |
| Percentage of academic time spent only with other students in this program: | Between 25% of the time and half the time |
| Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: | Mississippi State University Certificate of Completion |
| Is the credential IHE-approved? | Awarded by program, not officially recognized by the IHE |
| Employment | |
|---|---|
| Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: | 30% |
| Other career development activities are: |
|
| Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: | 60% |
| We offer the following specialized credentials: |
Every student has an internship each semester except for the fall of the freshman year |
| Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? | Yes |
| Housing | |
|---|---|
| Housing is provided to students: | Yes |
| Housing options available: |
|
| Extracurricular | |
|---|---|
| Students participate in student organizations on campus: | Yes |
| Proportion of social time spent only with other students in this program: | 25% |
| Students have participated in these social/extracurricular activities and organizations: |
Greek Life, Special Olympics College, Faith-based organizations |