Information for those exploring college programs for the neurodiverse:
How many college programs does OIPE offer?
We have three: Succeed Program, Succeed+ Program, and Link Program (certificate or degree).
What's the difference between Succeed, Succeed+, and Link?
Succeed is a two-year program where students work towards a Chancellor's Certificate upon completion of 44 credit hours. In some cases, graduates of the Succeed Program may continue their matriculation at UMSL for 22 credit hours annually without working towards another certificate. The Succeed+ Program accommodates such graduates. During the application process, there may be students assessed as suitable candidates for undergraduate studies at UMSL, while receiving student support from the OIPE. These students are encouraged to join the Link Certificate Program.
Is there a minimum age to apply to any of the OIPE programs?
An individual must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent to apply to any one of our college programs. For our college summer camps, participants have to be at least 17 years old and be able to manage their medications.
How much does it cost to attend the Succeed Program?
Beginning August 2025, each credit hour will cost $596. Succeed is a two-year program (four semesters) that will involve 44 credit hours. Program cost for two years will be $26,244 prior to tax/finance/service fee. For undergraduate students in the Link Certificate or Degree Program, tuition per credit hour is determined by your specific College. Please note that the Link Program student support services fee is separate from UMSL tuition.
In the summer, we offer camps in June and July to those aged 17 years and older who want to experience college life for one week at the UMSL campus. They may either commute to camp daily or stay in our campus residence hall for four nights during camp week. As of 2024, cost to attend camp is $300/week for commuters, and $600/week for those staying on campus overnight. Cost includes lunch and dinner while on campus and transportation and admission fee for field trip. Campers are allowed to bring extra funds to buy snacks and souvenirs. Please see the camp scholarship and camp funding vouchers info below for significant savings to attend our college camp.
Does the OIPE offer scholarships?
Yes. Non-degree seeking students may be eligible for one of these OIPE scholarships: Succeed Jubilee Scholarship, Novik Annual Scholarship, Chase Riley Scholarship, OIPE General Scholarship, and the Paul Meyer Memorial Scholarship. Applicants must first be accepted into our program before they apply for a scholarship grant.
Meanwhile, students enrolled in Link Degree may be eligible for UMSL scholarships and/or financial aid such as those listed here. Additional information is also available here.
Participants of our college summer camps held annually in June and July may also receive full camp scholarship if they are residents of (or students attending school in) St. Louis City. Camp funding vouchers through the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis are also available for residents of St. Louis County and St. Charles County.
What do I need to apply to Succeed or Link?
Those applying to the Succeed Program must fill out our online application and will receive a request for appropriate documentation (e.g., IEP) from our office. Those applying to the Link Program must fill out the UMSL undergraduate application form instead and provide our office disability documentation after UMSL Office of Admissions confirms acceptance of undergraduate application. Please note that student(s) and family member(s) will be contacted by an OIPE staff member for an interview. After deliberation by the OIPE Admissions team, you will be notified of our decision either through postal mail or email. There are three possible outcomes: Accepted, Waitlisted, or Reapply.
My student, who has an intellectual disability, is uncertain that college is for them. What would you advise?
We believe that college is possible for every student, but at the same time, not every student may be certain that higher education is their next step after graduating from high school. For this reason, we have immersive experiences options for potential and incoming college students. Email OIPE@umsl.edu for details or to schedule a visit.
Do Succeed, Succeed+, and Link students live on campus?
Our students have the option to either commute to and from the University or to live on campus. For information on student housing, click here. In line with independent living skills building, we do encourage students to use public transportation such as the Metrolink if they have no access to a personal vehicle or do not drive. Multiple shuttle stops are available throughout the campus. Many of our students likewise use the Metrolink to commute to places of employment and St. Louis area attractions.
Does OIPE offer true college programs or are you only teaching life skills?
Succeed, Succeed+, and Link incorporate college curriculum with independent living, vocational and social skills, and self-determination building techniques that benefit adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We offer a true inclusive college experience. This implies graded coursework, vocational training, internships, and opportunities for federal work-study. Students enrolled in the OIPE programs are able to join student organizations and participate in campus activities. They are also expected to manage their routines and will be treated equally in accordance with the Title IX federal law.
We don't have family or friends who live in St. Louis. How may my new/transfer student socialize or make connections at UMSL?
We have OIPE students from various hometowns all over the country (some, even from other parts of the globe). We encourage new/transfer students to join UMSL Social Peers. It aims to bring together UMSL Tritons, both neurodiverse and neurotypical, throughout the academic year. It is facilitated by OIPE team members who organize social activities such as movie night, gaming meetups, and trips to the ballpark or soccer stadium downtown. Students may also check out the Triton Connect calendar of events and the New Student Programs site.
You used to be called UMSL Succeed. Why change it to the Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (OIPE)?
"Succeed" was the name of our very first program, which was founded in 2013. Over the years, our team developed two other programs: Succeed+ and Link (Certificate or Degree). These additional programs were developed based on research and opportunities fast becoming available to our students. By 2023 we offered not just one, but three college programs to the neurodiverse population. It was no longer accurate to to call us "Succeed" or "Succeed Program". Hence, our official name: the Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (OIPE). For inquiries about all our programs, email OIPE@umsl.edu.
What does Inclusive Postsecondary Education mean?
A college or university that enrolls individuals with intellectual disability offers inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE). Similar terminology are "inclusive college" or "inclusive higher education". Here is more information on IPSE from our affiliate, Think College. There are over 300 inclusive postsecondary education programs in the United States.
Are you the only university offering inclusive college programs?
No. There are over 300 inclusive college programs in the United States. Four of them are located in Missouri. The Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (OIPE) founded the Succeed Program in 2013. It was so successful that the U.S. Department of Education cited it a model Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program. Innovative research and insights by the OIPE team even paved the way for the establishment of the state's newest inclusive postsecondary education program at the University of Missouri - Columbia, PAWS (Preparing Adults for Work and Society). Visit Show Me College for strategies that may help you select which program best achieves your student goals.
Does the OIPE have social media accounts?
Yes. Find the latest OIPE news and interact with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
