EAGLES Admission Criteria

Our goal is to provide every student in the EAGLES program with the most rewarding and beneficial postsecondary education experience. Therefore, it is important that students’ skills and interests are consistent with program requirements. Applicants to the EAGLES program must: 

Meet Age Requirements

18-26 years old (must be accepted into the program by age 24)

Have a Diagnosis of Intellectual Disability

An intellectual disability is a disability originating before the age of 22 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.

Additional Requirements

An intellectual disability should be documented by:

A psychological or psychoeducational evaluation 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.

Additional Requirements

 

  1. Demonstrate functional independence necessary for program participation;

  2. Demonstrate sufficient social and emotional maturity and stability necessary for program participation;

  3. Demonstrate desire and motivation to participate in a college experience to increase independence;

  4. Have successfully completed a high school program receiving a diploma or exit document (e.g., certificate of high school completion, special education diploma, occupational diploma, standard diploma, modified diploma);

  5. Have basic reading, writing, and verbal communication skills;

  6. Be able to understand instruction and follow rules;

  7. Be able to read and write approximately at a third-grade level;

  8. Have basic understanding of addition and subtraction;

  9. Use technology (e.g., email, cellular phone, laptop, tablet, internet, and word processing) on a basic level;

  10. Be able to remain unsupervised for 12 hours;

  11. Be able to sit through and attend a class period (1.5 hours);

  12. Be able to participate in coursework and campus life with scaffolded supports, including fading of supports;

  13. Be able to respond appropriately to changes in routine, with changes sometimes being unexpected; can be flexible in fluctuating circumstances;

  14. Have the potential to be successful in competitive employment situations (work experience, or volunteer experience is required prior to entering the program);

  15. Have parent(s)/guardian(s) who encourage his/her independence and support the student in being autonomous with their goals;

  16. Have no history of significant behavior or emotional problems that would interfere with program participation;

  17. Have skills necessary to navigate a college campus, with limited support;

  18. Be independent in handling his/her own medication, medical needs, specialized dietary and/or medical needs, as well as in the use of his/her own medication (Auburn University staff is not available to manage/administer medications. The EAGLES program also does not diagnose, evaluate, or treat medical conditions, including mental health conditions. The EAGLES program does not take responsibility for specialized diets or medical needs.);

  19. Have a laptop computer and cellular phone in order to access the EAGLES program and staff;

  20. Participate in a mandatory Auburn University Camp War Eagle and program orientation, as well as mandatory EAGLES social activities; and

  21. Have the ability to read, understand, and comply with Auburn University policies and procedures, including the Auburn University Student Code of Conduct.

EAGLES Tuition and Program Costs

Prices are subject to change by next enrollment period. Prices listed are per semester.

Tuition

Academic tuition is based on the number of Auburn credit hours a student is enrolled in each semester and is billed in addition to the program fee.

Program Costs

  • EAGLES Program Fee: $15,000 per semester
  • Required Auburn University Dining Plan: Approximately $1,100 per semester
  • Housing and Residence Life: Approximately $5,000 per semester
  • Students who drive may wish to secure a parking permit for an additional fee
  • Financial assistance and limited scholarships may be available
  • Costs do not include books, materials, or other course required expenses for a college student

Total Cost

Considering both tuition and program costs, the estimated total cost of attendance per semester is $24,500.

Financial Aid

The EAGLES Program is a comprehensive transition program, or CTP, which means students who qualify could access Federal Pell Grant and/or Vocational Rehabilitation. Financial assistance and limited scholarships may be available. However, students should be prepared to pay the full cost of attendance and are responsible for all costs associated with being an Auburn student.

Application Instructions

Thank you for your interest in the EAGLES program. The online application portal for the Fall 2025 cohort will open in July of 2024.  

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the EAGLES Program, and you will receive a response in approximately 72 hours, with the exception of email received over the weekends or holidays.

Application for Eagles Program

Resources

Last updated: 01/22/2024