Paying for College With a Disability
Key Takeaways
- Students with disabilities can apply for federal aid — like grants, loans, and work-study programs — by submitting the FAFSA.
- Many scholarships support students with disabilities, ranging from disability-specific awards (e.g., for students with visual, hearing, or learning impairments) to broader scholarships based on academic merit or financial need.
- Resources like employer tuition assistance, graduate fellowships, and online learning can also help reduce education expenses and promote accessibility.
Having a disability or chronic illness can present challenges in college. Fortunately, you can access disability scholarships to help you navigate the financial burden of higher education.
College disability services can also help you find financial aid and other forms of assistance to help you focus on your studies. This guide offers key information on ways to pay for college when you have a disability, including answers to common questions like, “Can a disabled person go to college for free?”
Understand Your Financial Aid Options
Like all college-bound people, you should start your financial aid journey by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This document determines your eligibility for various forms of financial aid, such as federal loans and other funding, like Pell Grants.
Beyond these student-specific types of assistance, you can also use benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help pay for your education. These benefits may affect your financial aid package, as you must report taxable Social Security income on your FAFSA form.
State and Community-Based Tuition Assistance
Though services vary among jurisdictions, each state offers tuition assistance through programs like vocational rehabilitation services. These agencies may operate under names like “Office of Vocational Rehabilitation,” “Department of Rehabilitation,” and “Division of Rehabilitation Services,” among others.
Qualifying students with disabilities can use authorizations or waivers from their states to cover costs such as tuition, course materials, transportation, and room and board.
Veterans with disabilities can also receive assistance through Veteran Readiness and Employment services. These veteran vocational programs specifically suit individuals who have a disability related to their service.
Tuition Support Through Campus-Based Opportunities
Learners studying on campus can often access financial aid unavailable to online students. These opportunities help lower the overall price tag of pursuing higher education and offer opportunities to join a community of peers and mentors. Explore available programs below.
Federal Work-Study Programs
Federal work-study programs offer undergraduate and graduate students part-time employment that helps to cover education costs. Participants can qualify for this program based on need or disability. Some office-based jobs for students with disabilities may also allow for remote work, increasing accessibility.
State or School-Specific Tuition Waivers
Availability and requirements vary by state and institution, but people with disabilities can qualify to receive many services, including tuition waivers. Some states may base eligibility for these waivers on whether students receive SSI or SSDI benefits.
Paid Campus Roles
Finding employment on campus allows students with disabilities to earn money in part-time roles while connecting with other members of their school communities. Like work-study programs, there may be roles that suit people with disabilities, such as remote positions that allow for more flexibility with scheduling and accessibility.
Tips for Budgeting With a Disability
Budgeting with a disability requires you to consider some expected and unexpected costs. Explore the following list of budgeting tips:
- Balance Benefits and Income: Make sure you receive all the benefits you deserve to maximize your income. If you’re unsure about your eligibility for these programs, contact your college’s disability services department.
- Plan Ahead: Some medical expenses are consistent and expected, while others are less predictable. Plan ahead and save for the unexpected medical costs.
- Use Technology for Efficiency and Accessibility: Many schools allow you to access course materials digitally, which allows you to save money and avoid having to carry books around.
- Avoid Credit: While credit cards with low introductory rates may seem appealing in the short term, they eventually increase their interest costs. If you experience any medical emergencies in the future, the costs would only compound with these rates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paying for College
If you are unable to complete your semester due to a medical reason, talk to your academic or program advisor to explore your options, including taking a reduced course load, taking incompletes, or finding the appropriate disability accommodations. As a last resort, many colleges will allow you to withdraw from your program; however, this may mean that you will have to be readmitted to your program when you are medically cleared to do so.
You should also contact your school’s financial aid department to discuss how withdrawing can affect your aid package. Student Assistance Programs (SAPs) operate on a state level and carry eligibility requirements specific to substance misuse and mental health considerations.
The specifics regarding the status of your financial aid amid the inability to finish a semester due to medical reasons vary based on factors like the school, state, type of aid, and medical condition.
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