Choosing among colleges for students with learning disabilities requires more than scanning rankings or assuming that every campus offers the same level of support. In college settings, students’ learning disabilities commonly include ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder, among other challenges. These differences can affect how students process information, manage time, and navigate academic demands within traditional college classrooms that often rely on lectures, exams, and independent study.
In recent years, learning and attention differences have been understood to affect roughly one in five students, making them far more common on college campuses than many families expect. While most colleges now offer some form of support, how that support is structured and delivered differs meaningfully from one institution to another.
This article outlines how colleges approach learning disability support and offers a framework for comparing options based on how a student learns and functions academically.
McMillan Education works with families as independent educational consultants, advising students with a wide range of learning needs and styles to an equally wide range of colleges and universities in the United States and internationally. The perspectives shared here reflect that advisory approach and are intended to support informed college planning, not to promote specific institutions or programs.
List of Colleges With Learning Disability Programs (2026)
Colleges for students with learning disabilities vary widely in how they provide academic support, and the type and extent of student learning needs they support. Under federal law, U.S. colleges must offer reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities, including learning disabilities. Some colleges choose to go beyond these requirements by offering learning disability programs that provide ongoing academic support.
It’s difficult for students and parents to tell which colleges provide the right combination of academic support and academic challenge. For example, the list below will appear on a list of colleges with learning support programs, but its range of learning program features, student profile, academic demands, and admissions selectivity is significant. The list below highlights some of the many U.S. colleges with learning disability programs:
| College / University | Program Name | Support Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Beacon College | – | Accredited college designed specifically for students with learning disabilities, with support fully integrated into academics. |
| Landmark College | – | Created for students who learn differently, offering intensive academic support and learning strategy instruction. |
| Curry College | Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) | Structured, fee-based support with individualized coaching and learning strategy instruction for students with LD and ADHD. |
| University of Denver | Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) | Academic counseling, executive function coaching, and coordinated tutoring for participating students. |
| Lesley University | Academic Support / Threshold Programs | Structured academic coaching, skills development, and transition support for neurodiverse students. |
| Hofstra University | Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS) | Specialized academic support for students with learning disabilities and ADHD beyond standard accommodations. |
| Adelphi University | Learning Resource Program | Fee-based program with individualized academic support, strategy instruction, and coaching for LD and ADHD. |
| Adelphi University | Bridges to Adelphi | Structured academic, social, and organizational support for students with learning differences and developmental disabilities. |
| University of Arizona | SALT Center | Tiered academic support with coaching, learning strategies, and tutoring for students with LD and ADHD. |
| West Virginia Wesleyan College | Mentor Advantage | Mentoring-based support focused on organization, time management, and academic guidance. |
| Daemen University | CATS / Autism Support Programs | Academic coaching, transition support, and skill development for students with learning differences, including autism. |
| Mitchell College | Bentsen Learning Center | Comprehensive learning support center offering individualized instruction and academic skill development for students with learning disabilities. |
| American University | Learning Services Program (LSP) | Structured first-year program providing regular academic meetings and targeted learning support for students with learning disabilities. |
| University of Connecticut | Beyond Access | Fee-based enhanced support program offering individualized learning strategies and academic coaching beyond accommodations. |
| Northeastern University | Learning Disabilities Program (LDP) | Individualized academic coaching and skill development for students with documented learning disabilities. |
| Lynn University | Institute for Achievement and Learning | Academic coaching, tutoring, and learning strategy support for students with learning differences. |
| Marist College | Learning Support Program | Fee-based program providing individualized academic coaching and learning strategy instruction. |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | COMPASS / Regional LD Programs | Structured support programs offering academic coaching and coordinated assistance for students with learning differences. |
| University of Hartford | Hillyer College | College-within-a-college model providing academic support and transition services for students who benefit from extra guidance. |
| Marshall University | H.E.L.P. Program | Comprehensive academic support program focused on learning and executive functioning skills. |
Understanding the Three Models of Learning Disability Support
To help students and parents better understand the type of college and the type of college support program that will best fit them, think of learning support programs falling into three distinct categories. These approaches differ in how proactive the support is, how often students can receive guidance, and how much independence is expected. Think of learning support falling into these three broad models.
1. Model 1: Comprehensive Support Colleges
A small number of U.S. colleges are designed specifically for students with learning disabilities. At these institutions, academic instruction, advising, and campus life are built around the expectation that students need consistent, proactive support as part of their daily routine.
Support is embedded into coursework rather than accessed only when challenges arise. Students typically meet regularly with learning specialists, receive instruction in executive function and learning strategies, and are supported by staff with specific backgrounds in learning differences. These programs are usually fee-based and may require a separate application.
Two of the most well-known colleges operating under this model are Landmark College and Beacon College.
Landmark College
- Accredited college created specifically for students who learn differently
- Academic support integrated into coursework and campus life
- Strong focus on executive function, learning strategies, and self-advocacy
Beacon College
- Accredited college serving only students with documented learning disabilities
- Academic coaching and skill development built into programs
- Emphasis on independence, academic skills, and transition readiness
This model is generally appropriate for students who need comprehensive, ongoing support to manage academic expectations and daily responsibilities in a college environment.
2. Model 2: Structured Support Programs at Mainstream Colleges
In this model, students attend traditional colleges or universities that offer structured learning disability support through dedicated programs or learning centers. These programs go beyond basic accommodations by providing access for eligible students to regular academic coaching, skill-building support, or strategy instruction, while still requiring students to take responsibility for applying what they learn.
Support intensity can vary widely. Some colleges offer modest enhancements beyond federally required disability accommodations, while others approach a more comprehensive level of support. Students are required to self-advocate and engage actively with the program, and services are often fee-based.
Examples of colleges offering structured LD support programs include:
- University of Denver – Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP)
- Rochester Institute of Technology – Spectrum Support Program (SSP)
- Curry College – Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL)
- Lesley University – Threshold Programs
Families who want to see a broader range of colleges where McMillan students with learning differences have been admitted can review our learning differences college acceptance list, which reflects real placement outcomes across multiple support models.
3. Model 3: Standard Accommodations Through Disability Services
Most colleges operate under this model because U.S. colleges and universities are required to provide reasonable academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities, including learning disabilities, through a disability services office.
Support in this model focuses on access rather than instruction. Accommodations may include extended exam time, note-taking support, alternative formats for course materials, or assistive technology. Colleges typically provide what is required for access to the curriculum but do not offer regular academic coaching or monitoring.
Accommodations are student-initiated. Students must disclose their disability, submit documentation, often including neuropsychological evaluations, and communicate with professors each term to ensure accommodations are implemented. Once accommodations are approved, students are expected to manage coursework, organization, and deadlines independently.
This model works best for students who are comfortable self-advocating and do not require ongoing academic coaching or executive function support to succeed.
Learning Difference–Specific College Considerations
In the sections that follow, we look at how different learning differences can shape a student’s college experience and the types of academic support that may be most helpful for students with dyslexia, ADHD, or autism.
| Learning Difference | College / University | Program Name | State (Code) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyslexia | Landmark College | – | VT (Vermont) |
| Dyslexia | Beacon College | – | FL (Florida) |
| Dyslexia | Curry College | Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) | MA (Massachusetts) |
| Dyslexia | University of Arizona | Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center | AZ (Arizona) |
| Dyslexia | Fairleigh Dickinson University | Regional Center for Learning Disabilities | NJ (New Jersey) |
| ADHD | University of Denver | Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) | CO (Colorado) |
| ADHD | Landmark College | Executive Function & Academic Support (Structured Model) | VT (Vermont) |
| ADHD | Curry College | Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) | MA (Massachusetts) |
| ADHD | Lynn University | Institute for Achievement and Learning | FL (Florida) |
| Autism | Drexel University | Center for Autism and Neurodiversity | PA (Pennsylvania) |
| Autism | University of Alabama | UA Autism Spectrum Disorders College Transition and Support (UA-ACTS) | AL (Alabama) |
| Autism | Rochester Institute of Technology | Spectrum Support Program | NY (New York) |
| Autism | Western Kentucky University | Kelly Autism Program | KY (Kentucky) |
| Autism | Marshall University | Autism-Specific College Program (Coordinated Support) | WV (West Virginia) |
1. Colleges for Students With Dyslexia
When families search for colleges for students with dyslexia, they are often trying to understand whether a college may meaningfully support how their child learns, not just whether accommodations are available. At the college level, dyslexia can affect reading volume, writing demands, and processing speed across many courses. For students with dyslexia, access-based accommodations may address logistical barriers, but reading, writing, and processing demands often remain challenging without targeted skill development.
Colleges that offer structured dyslexia support programs are designed to address these needs alongside accommodations, helping students build skills gradually rather than relying on access alone.
Colleges With Structured Dyslexia Support Programs
The colleges below are examples of institutions that operate formal, established programs designed to support students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
- Landmark College (VT): A college created specifically for students with dyslexia and other learning differences, offering academic instruction and learning-strategy support integrated into the curriculum.
- Beacon College (FL): An accredited college serving only students with learning disabilities and attention differences, providing integrated academic support with a strong emphasis on dyslexia and assistive technology use.
- Curry College (MA): The Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) provides academic coaching and strategy instruction for students with dyslexia within a traditional college setting.
- University of Arizona (AZ): The Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center offers a structured academic support program focused on learning strategies and skill development for students with dyslexia and other learning differences.
- Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ): The Regional Center for Learning Disabilities provides individualized instruction and academic support designed for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities.
2. Colleges for Students With ADHD
Choosing among colleges for students with ADHD often comes down to how much structure a student may need to manage college-level independence. In college, challenges related to ADHD often involve planning, prioritization, time management, and follow-through rather than understanding course material. The shift away from high school structure can sometimes make this transition more complex.
Colleges that provide structured ADHD support may offer regular coaching, accountability, and executive function guidance, helping some students translate ability into more consistent academic engagement.
Colleges With Structured ADHD Support Programs
Students who attend these types of colleges typically have significant challenges to learning and therefore require a specialized level of support. For most students with ADHD, however, more traditional learning environments with some level of executive learning support and accommodations for extra time are adequate for them to engage in robust undergraduate studies. Those students typically have a range of colleges on their list and will apply to many selective colleges where they will be academically and intellectually challenged and have to manage their ADHD symptoms and access support and accommodations independently and proactively.
The colleges below are examples of institutions that offer this level of structured academic and executive function support.
- University of Denver (CO): The Learning Effectiveness Program provides individualized academic coaching and academic planning support with an emphasis on executive function, organization, and learning strategies.
- Landmark College (VT): Offers highly structured academic and executive function support designed for students with ADHD who benefit from consistent structure and guided skill development.
- Curry College (MA): PAL includes executive function coaching, time-management support, and academic planning as part of its comprehensive academic support model.
- Lynn University (FL): The Institute for Achievement and Learning offers centralized coaching, tutoring, writing support, and academic services for students with ADHD and other learning differences.
3. Colleges for Students With Autism
For families exploring colleges for students with autism, academic accommodations are often only one part of the decision. Some autistic students may benefit from predictable routines, clear expectations, and support in navigating both academic and social aspects of college life.
Colleges with autism support programs sometimes provide coordinated services that address communication, self-advocacy, campus engagement, and daily living skills alongside academics. Because these programs can vary widely in approach and intensity, finding the right fit is often less about prestige and more about whether the support structure aligns with how a student functions day to day.
Colleges With Autism Support Programs
The colleges below are examples of institutions that operate formal autism support programs that extend beyond academic accommodations to include coaching, social support, and coordination across campus services.
- Drexel University (PA): The Center for Autism and Neurodiversity provides structured coaching and campus navigation support to help autistic students manage academic and institutional demands.
- University of Alabama (AL): The UA Autism Spectrum Disorders College Transition and Support (UA-ACTS) program offers coordinated academic, social, and transition support for autistic students entering college.
- Rochester Institute of Technology (NY): The Spectrum Support Program provides coaching, peer mentoring, and group support focused on navigating academic expectations and social communication in a college environment.
- Western Kentucky University (KY): The Kelly Autism Program delivers academic and social support designed to help autistic students build independence over time.
- Marshall University (WV): Operates a long-standing autism-specific college program providing coordinated academic, social, and life-skills support.
Navigating College Admissions With a Learning Disability
College admissions can be stressful for any student, but that stress for students with learning differences often escalates more quickly and feels more intense. Many students with ADHD, dyslexia, or executive functioning challenges work hard to meet daily academic expectations, leaving limited capacity for the added pressures of applications, deadlines, and decision-making. Recognizing this reality is essential when thinking not just about admission, but about long-term fit and success.
A clear understanding of how a student learns is central to navigating this process effectively. Neuropsychological evaluations, whether completed proactively or in response to challenges, can offer valuable insight into a student’s strengths, needs, and learning profile. This information can help families make more informed decisions about college environments, levels of support, and accommodation needs, while also empowering students to better understand and advocate for themselves.
For students with learning differences, the type of support a college provides can have a meaningful impact on both academic success and emotional well-being. Taking the time to understand these differences allows families to move beyond uncertainty and make decisions with greater confidence and care.
With thoughtful planning and experienced guidance, the admissions process can become an opportunity to reduce stress, honor a student’s strengths, and choose an environment where they feel supported, capable, and ready to grow.
Guidance for Families Planning College Support
For students with learning differences, the transition to college can be especially sensitive. Early experiences often shape confidence, engagement, and willingness to ask for help. Thoughtful planning around support and expectations can make the difference between a steady adjustment and a difficult start.
For families who need guidance navigating these decisions, McMillan Education brings over 70 years of experience supporting students with learning differences. Our work focuses on helping families understand support options and make informed choices that set students up for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will colleges know about my child’s IEP or 504 Plan?
No. IEPs and 504 Plans do not transfer to college, and colleges will not automatically receive this information. Students must choose whether and when to disclose a learning disability after admission to access accommodations or support services.
2. What’s the difference between accommodations and modifications?
Accommodations change how a student accesses material, such as extended test time or note-taking support, without changing academic standards. Modifications change what a student is expected to learn. Colleges provide accommodations, not modifications.
3. What’s the graduation rate for students with learning disabilities?
Graduation rates for students with learning disabilities vary widely by institution and support structure, and many colleges do not report this data separately. Outcomes tend to improve when students receive support that matches their academic and executive functioning needs.
4. How much do learning disability support programs cost?
Costs vary significantly. Some colleges include support in tuition, while others charge separate program fees that may range from a few thousand dollars per year to more comprehensive fee-based models. Families should review total costs carefully, including the potential impact of extended time to degree.
5. Can my child get scholarships?
Yes. Some scholarships are available specifically for students with learning disabilities, and students may also qualify for general merit- or need-based aid. Availability and eligibility vary by institution and program.
6. When should we start the college search?
Families often benefit from starting the college search by sophomore or junior year of high school. Earlier college planning allows time to assess support needs, update documentation if necessary, and explore a full range of college options.
7. Should we disclose the learning disability in college applications?
Disclosure is optional in most cases. Students typically need to disclose if applying to a separate learning support program or requesting testing accommodations. Many students choose to disclose after admission when registering with disability or accessibility services.
8. What if our school doesn’t offer many advanced courses?
Disclosure is optional in most cases. This is a strategic decision that needs to be made in the context of the application and admissions demands of the student’s final list. Students typically need to disclose if applying to a separate learning support program or requesting testing accommodations. Many students choose to disclose after admission when registering with disability or accessibility services.
