EAGLES Program Resources

An intellectual disability is a disability originating before the age of 18 that is characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, problem-solving) and in adaptive behavior, which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills. For consideration of admission into the EAGLES program, an intellectual disability should be documented by a psychological or psychoeducational evaluation from a licensed psychologist or other qualified professional. A psychological or psychoeducational evaluation is a comprehensive report from a psychologist or other qualified professional that includes test results for IQ, adaptive behavior, mental health, and emotional evaluation. The document should also include interpretations and conclusions of results and recommendations regarding interventions and strategies that may be most helpful in supporting the student. A vocational evaluation is highly encouraged.

All applicants must submit recent testing/evaluations conducted within three years of the submitted date. Documentation must include IQ scores, adaptive behavior scores, and evidence of intellectual disability before age 18.

• According to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (2019), “No. The evaluation and classification of an intellectual disability is a complex issue. There are three major criteria for intellectual disability: significant limitations in intellectual functioning, significant limitations in adaptive behavior, and onset before the age of 18.

  • The IQ test is a major tool in measuring intellectual functioning, which is the mental capacity for learning, reasoning, and problem solving. A test score below or around 70—or as high as 75—indicates a limitation in intellectual functioning.

  • Other tests determine limitations in adaptive behavior, which covers three types of skills:

    • Conceptual skills—language and literacy; money, time, and

      number concepts; and self-direction.

    • Social skills—interpersonal skills, social responsibility, self-esteem, gullibility, naïveté, social problem solving, and the ability to follow rules, obey laws, and avoid being victimized.

    • Practical skills—activities of daily living (personal care), occupational skills, healthcare, travel/transportation, schedules/routines, safety, use of money, use of the telephone.

• Retrieved from: aaidd.org/intellectual-disability/definition/faqs-on-intellectual-disability

• All applicants must submit recent testing/evaluations that was conducted within 3 years of the date submitted. Documentation must include IQ scores, adaptive behavior scores, and evidence of intellectual disability prior to age 18. 

Depending on whether you went to a public or private high school and which state you attended, diploma options and the standards outlined to achieve the diploma requirements vary. The EAGLES program does not consider the type of diploma the student earned as part of the admission process. Instead, the program considers the individual, their psychological or psychoeducational evaluation, current functioning in comparison to the stated admission criteria, and the diagnosis of an intellectual disability or not. A student pursuing a degree-seeking college program would not be a candidate for the EAGLES program.

The mission of the EAGLES program is to prepare students with intellectual disabilities to accomplish their potential as they transition to become a contributing member of society by providing students with an inclusive and residential postsecondary education. The EAGLES curriculum focuses on academic enrichment, leadership and advocacy skills, social skills instruction, career development, and health awareness.

For Auburn University courses, the EAGLES students are taught by professors, instructors, or graduate assistants. For EAGLES program-specific courses, the EAGLES students are taught by the EAGLES program Instruction Coordinators, faculty, and graduate students.

Admission criteria can be found on the EAGLES Admission Criteria page.

We will accept between 6 and 8 students. This is contingent upon students meeting the criteria for admission and scoring appropriately during an on-campus interview that includes situational assessments and individual interviews with the prospective candidate and at least one parent or legal guardian.

To apply for Fall 2027 admission, complete the online EAGLES application and upload all required documentation. Applications open July 1, 2026 and close October 9, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (CST).

Before beginning your application, please have the following available:

• Two reference letters (and the contact information for both references)

• A current psychological or psychoeducational evaluation that includes:

  • Current achievement testing in reading and mathematics

  • Full Scale IQ and all subtest scores

  • A comprehensive adaptive behavior assessment (Vineland-3 preferred)

  • A summary of social-emotional functioning and any additional information the evaluator determines is important for a comprehensive review

After the application deadline, all completed applications are reviewed anonymously by our screening committee. No exceptions are made to the application timeline.

Applicants who meet the qualifications to be considered for admission will be invited to participate in a Round One Zoom interview, which will be held during the week of October 19–23, 2026.

Following the Zoom interviews, selected applicants will be invited to campus for a required full-day on-campus interview, held on December 8, 9, or 10, 2026. Participation in an on-campus interview is required to be considered for admission to the Fall 2027 cohort. Additional details will be shared with invited applicants.

Admission decisions will be communicated in January of 2027. Students offered admission must complete all required next steps by the deadlines provided in their acceptance materials.

For questions about the admissions process, please contact eagles@auburn.edu.

The EAGLES program is a residential program, meaning students are required to live on campus in the dorms during the first two years of the program and in approved off-campus housing in Auburn during the last two years. Students must be invited back to attend each year. At this point, there is no commuter student option.

The basic program is two years and the advanced program is two years for a total of four years.

Upon successfully completing and exiting the EAGLES basic program, students earn a Career Readiness Certificate endorsed by Auburn University, not the State of Alabama. Upon successfully completingand exiting the EAGLES advanced program, students earn an Independent Living Readiness Certificate endorsed by Auburn University, not the State of Alabama.

The EAGLES program is not able to accommodate all requests to schedule 1:1 tours of the EAGLES program. On rare occasions, this may be possible. The best way to learn more about the program, gain a comprehensive overview of our structure and supports, take a tour, and speak to students, staff, and peer mentors is to register to attend a Preview Day! The next Preview Day is scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025. Preview Day registration is required and is found on The EAGLES Program website main page.

• Academic Tuition: In accordance with Auburn University’s tuition fees.

  • EAGLES program fee: $15,000 per semester.

  • Required Auburn University Dining Plan: Approximately $1,400 per semester.

  • Housing and Residence Life: Approximately $6,000 per semester.

  • Financial assistance and limited scholarships may be available.

  • Costs do not include books, materials, or other course-required expenses for a college student.

Please visit the EAGLES Curriculum page to find out more about the classes taken by the EAGLES students.