Information for those exploring college programs for the neurodiverse:
How many college programs does OIPE offer?
We have three: Succeed Program (for non-degree seekers), Plus Program (currently for graduates of the Succeed Program), and Link Program (certificate or degree).
What's the difference between Succeed, Plus, and Link?
Succeed is a two-year program for non-degree seeking students with intellectual disability. These are students who would not typically apply to a traditional college or university. Succeed is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a comprehensive transition program (CTP). This implies that our students may apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which may entitle them to a Pell Grant. They earn an UMSL Chancellor's Certificate and transcript upon program completion of about 49 credit hours. There is an UMSL Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (OIPE) online application form which we post annually beginning in mid-August on our website and social media.
Graduates of the Succeed Program may continue their matriculation at UMSL with a focus on career-building. The Plus Program exclusively accommodates such graduates.
Students with a disability seeking an undergraduate certificate or degree at UMSL and wish to obtain support from the OIPE may apply to either the Link Certificate or Link Degree Program. Besides filling out our OIPE online application form, applicants to Link Degree must fill out and undergo the standard UMSL Admissions process. As soon as the UMSL Office of Admissions confirms they have received your application, you may reach out to OIPE@umsl.edu about enrollment to the Link Program.
How will I know if I should apply to the Succeed Program or the Link Program?
Our admissions process will provide you the answer. The first step is for you fill out our online application form which typically goes live in mid-August. Applying as early as possible (i.e., on or before the priority deadline in early December) ensures an interview with our team. Our Transition Coordinator will contact you via email regarding interview dates. Based on your interview, disability documentation, and Admissions Team assessment, we may determine and recommend enrollment either to the Succeed Program or Link Program.
We also encourage students and their family members to attend our in-person OIPE Program Preview which our team facilitates up to seven times per semester. These gatherings are conducted either on a Wednesday night, from 6 - 8 PM, or a Saturday morning, from 10 AM - 12 PM.
- Engage in a presentation that features the differences among our college programs for the neurodiverse
- Chat with OIPE team members on how to determine which program is suitable for your student(s)
- Meet current students and inquire about their transition from high school to college
- Visit Oak Hall student residential hall
- Ask all your questions on enrolling for fall semester, summer camp, and our Bridge Program for those aged 16 years and older
- Interact with other families and start community-building
Is there a minimum age to apply to any of the OIPE programs or am I too old to be accepted?
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.
Rest assured that you are never "too old" to join our college programs and summer camp. We don't have a maximum age limit.
Soon, we will be developing an Early Admission Bridge Program for students aged 16 years old. This one-year program aims to prepare 11th grade students with intellectual disability for their transition to college.
Do I need my official transcript or diploma to be eligible to apply to the OIPE programs?
Yes. If this is your first time applying for college, you will need proof that you have graduated from high school or are obtaining a high school diploma within the timeframe of your application. Misrepresentation or failure to submit all required documentation may disqualify you from enrollment. Please note: $150 non-refundable application fee, paid by check or money order to the University of Missouri-St. Louis is a must.
Here's a complete list of required documents:
- Student résumé (if available)
- Copy of educational, medical, or psychological documentation of disability
- Copy of the most recent full transition plan, such as:
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with Transition Plan
- Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
- Person-Centered Plan (PCP)
- Or a combination of these - Copy of any Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and/or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) completed within the past 5 years (if applicable — must be submitted if they exist)
- High school transcript
- College transcript (if applicable — must be submitted if available)
- Copies of results from Career Assessments, Transition Assessments, or Summary of Performance (if applicable — must be submitted if available)
- Guardianship or Power of Attorney documentation (if applicable — must be submitted if available)
How much does it cost to attend the Succeed Program?
Beginning August 2025, each credit hour will cost $596 at UMSL. A minimum of 12 credit hours is required per semester. A semester in the Succeed Program may cost around $7,152 prior to tax/finance/service fee, housing, and meal plans. Our program fee is comparable with other inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs in Missouri. 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 of $2,756 per semester is separate from your UMSL tuition. For students in the Link Certificate Program, the aforementioned fee will apply to you upon completion of your first semester in your first year at the University.
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 $315/week for commuters, and $630/week for those staying on campus overnight. Cost includes breakfast, 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.
Is there financial aid?
Yes. Students in the Succeed Program should fill out the FAFSA (Federal Application for Financial Aid) form annually to find out if they are eligible for the Pell Grant, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, and the Federal Work-Study Program. We are one of a few inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs that are able to tap federal aid for non-degree seeking students. Even if you are unsure that your family is eligible for FAFSA, we encourage you to still fill out the free application form. If there are leftover funds upon disbursement of federal aid to eligible students, the University is allowed to utilize leftover funds to support federal work-study students.
Does the OIPE offer scholarships?
Yes. Non-degree seeking students may be eligible for one of these OIPE scholarships: Succeed Jubilee Scholarship, Novik Chase Riley Annual Scholarship, OIPE Non-Degree General Scholarship and the Paul Meyer Memorial Scholarship. Applicants must first be accepted into our program before they apply for a scholarship grant in August.
Meanwhile, students enrolled in Link Degree may be eligible for UMSL scholarships and/or financial aid such as those listed on our funding page. Additional information is also available on the Student Financial Services site.
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 our programs must fill out our online application form. It will show you a list of required application documentations (e.g., IEP, transcript). Those interested in the Link Degree Program must also fill out the UMSL undergraduate application form. Please note that student(s) and family member(s) will be contacted by the OIPE Transition Coordinator 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 Join our Early Admissions Bridge Program.
Required documents in lieu of OIPE application:
- Student résumé (if available)
- Copy of educational, medical, or psychological documentation of disability
- Copy of the most recent full transition plan, such as:
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with Transition Plan
- Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
- Person-Centered Plan (PCP)
- Or a combination of these - Copy of any Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and/or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) completed within the past 5 years (if applicable — must be submitted if they exist)
- High school transcript
- College transcript (if applicable — must be submitted if available)
- Copies of results from Career Assessments, Transition Assessments, or Summary of Performance (if applicable — must be submitted if available)
- Guardianship or Power of Attorney documentation (if applicable — must be submitted if available)
Please note: $150 non-refundable application fee, paid by check or money order to the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Do you offer program preview or shadowing class?
Yes. We hold about seven program previews during the semester. Invitations to these Wednesday night or Saturday morning gatherings are usually shared to disability professionals via email, and to the public through OIPE social media platforms.
If your student would like to spend a half-day with us, which includes a shadowing class, UMSL north campus visit, and lunch with our current students, you may schedule a Day in the Life Visit also during the semester. (Dates TBD)
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.
- Program Preview and Day in the Life Visit dates for fall 2026 TBD
- OIPE Summer Enrichment Camp (application deadline is May 27, 2026)
Do Succeed, Plus, and Link students live on campus?
Our students have the option to either commute to and from the University or to live on campus at either Oak Hall or University Meadows. For information on student housing, visit the Residential Life site. 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.
Will I receive support with homework and navigating the campus?
Yes. We have generalized tutoring in our offices and connect students with subject specific tutors , if needed. We have OIPE Navigators, returning students in leadership roles who support new students as they learn about campus resources and their locations . We also have Academic Mentors who help students throughout class and homework. And finally, every student has an OIPE Coach who oversees progress throughout our Live, Learn, Work, and Play program pillars.
Do I have to work while in the Succeed Program?
Yes. Increasing your vocational experiences and having the opportunity to acquire and sharpen your vocational skill is a requirement of the Succeed and Plus Programs.
Can I keep my job if I join the Succeed Program?
Yes. Employers are generally very supportive of college student schedules. Our team always advocates for employment and we have a roster of employer partners in the St. Louis metro area.
Does OIPE offer a true college experience?
Succeed, Plus, 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, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
