Students With Disabilities

Planning ahead for the transition to college is important for any student, but if you have a disability you'll want to do some additional planning to learn about your responsibilities, your rights, and the services that colleges offer.  If you choose to continue your education beyond high school, you'll join a growing number of students with disabilities enrolling and succeeding in college.  For example, the National Center for Education Statistics reported in 2018 that 11.6% of first-time undergraduates reported have a disability.

11.6% of first-time undergraduate students reported having a disability1

Degree Program Enrollment for Students with Disabilities

1 SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2004/09 and 2012/14 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Studies (BPS:04/09 and BPS:12/14).

2 SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012/14 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/14).


Many of the resources in this section of CFNC.org are for students with permanent disabilities, but colleges may also be able to assist you if you have a temporary disability such as an injury.  If you are interested in opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, please check out Think College where you can search for programs at colleges near you.

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