Admissions

Information About the Students We Serve:

• We are a comprehensive transition program designed to serve students with intellectual disability. Although applicants may have other disability diagnoses (e.g., autism, functional delay), our emphasis is on students who also have cognitive impairments. [See additional information below.]
• We accept students who are between the ages of 18 and 26, transfer students are eligible to enter through the age of 28.
• We serve students with disabilities who have successfully completed high school, and have received a high school diploma (e.g., special education diploma, occupational diploma, standard diploma). Students would have received or been eligible for services under IDEA.
• We enroll students who express a strong personal desire to attend college.

We Prioritize Applicants Who:

• Are motivated to attend Vanderbilt University
• Are excited to become better prepared for the world of work and a future career.
• Demonstrate both the need and a desire for greater independence.
• Eager to learn in a diverse, academic environment
• Can communicate reliably with others and exhibit socially responsible behavior on campus.
• Have satisfactory record of school attendance from their previous school.
• Are leaders in their communities

All Enrolled Students Must:

• Have health insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, private)
• Provide their own transportation to and from campus
• Have own cell phone upon entering the program to aid in maintaining contact with Next Steps at Vanderbilt staff
• Have a reliable laptop computer for their daily use when they arrive on campus 

Additional Information

• An intellectual disability can be documented by (a) showing prior eligibility for special education services under IDEA as a student with an intellectual disability, (b) by providing an evaluation and diagnosis of an intellectual disability from a psychologist or other qualified professional, or (c) by having record from a government agency (e.g., Social Security Administration, vocational rehabilitation, school) that identifies the intellectual disability.
• Next Steps at Vanderbilt uses the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities definition of Intellectual Disability- Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18.  Scores on cognitive and adaptive behavior assessments must both be 75 or below.

Next Steps at Vanderbilt Applicants will go through a 3-stage process.

Stage 1: Application

• Online Application

• Recent psychological-educational evaluation with ID diagnoses

• High school transcript and most recent IEP

• Personal Statement - Personal Statements can be in any format the student chooses (letter, PowerPoint, video, song, etc.).

• Two Recommendation Letters  
• $50 Application Fee

Stage 2: Interview

After an application is reviewed, our competitive applicants will be invited to a 30-minute virtual interview with the Program Director and Administrative Program Coordinator. The applicant will complete the interview independently and be asked about 7 questions about themselves. A sample question is: "How did you learn about Next Steps at Vanderbilt? Why do you want to be a student in Next Steps at Vanderbilt?" 

Stage 3: Preview Day

Next Steps Preview Day represents the final stage of the application process and is required for applicants in this phase. This event serves as an opportunity for applicants to assess whether Vanderbilt University aligns with their academic goals and personal aspirations, while also allowing us to evaluate their readiness for university life. Programming for Preview Day includes observing a VU class, participating in group activities with students and peer mentors, and so much more! 

Early Consideration 

Applying for early consideration gives you more time to plan for the transition to college. You can still apply to other programs. However, if you are admitted to Next Steps, we ask you to 1) withdraw all other applications to other universities and colleges, and 2) not submit any more applications at that point.

• The early consideration application deadline is November 1st.
• Early consideration admission decisions will be announced by late December/Early January.

Regular Consideration 

• The regular consideration application deadline is January 15.
• Regular admission decisions will be announced by mid-March.
  *  We strongly encourage applicants to submit materials in advance of the above deadlines.

Rolling Consideration

• Applicants may still be considered after deadlines have passed if there is available space and if their application is submitted before our final preview day.

• When our incoming class is full, late applicants may request their materials be considered for the next year. 

Next Steps at Vanderbilt Fees:

The tuition during the 2024-2025 academic year will be: $27,162 ($13,581 per semester). 
*Please note these are tentative costs that are subject to change as program requirements change.

Fees are payable on a semester basis and cover all educational aspects of Next Steps at Vanderbilt. Modest annual increases can be expected.

Meal plan fees and purchasing parking permits are paid separately.

Important Resource

The Vanderbilt Office of Financial Aid is an important resource. Contact Dustin Ritchey for assistance: dustin.ritchey@vanderbilt.edu; 1-800-288-0204 (toll free) or 615-322-3591 (local).

Throughout the year, we offer opportunities for prospective students and families to learn more about our program. If you are interested in learning more, register for one of our upcoming College Nights, Open houses, or more here.