EAGLES Admission Criteria
Our goal is to provide every student in the EAGLES program with the most rewarding and beneficial postsecondary education experience. Therefore, students’ skills and interests must be 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 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 can be documented by:
An evaluation and diagnosis of an intellectual disability from a psychologist or other qualified professional and reported in a psychological or psychoeducational evaluation that is current (within three years of the current date).
Meet the criteria of having an intellectual disability:
Applicants must meet the criteria of having an intellectual disability as defined in the Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008 (U.S.C.110-315§760); (IQ score of 75 or below and deficit in adaptive behavior).
Additional Requirements
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Demonstrate functional independence, maturity, and stability necessary for program participation;
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Demonstrate desire and motivation to participate in a college experience to increase independence;
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Have 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);
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Have communication skills where the student can advocate for needs and desires;
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Be able to read and write approximately at a third-grade level;
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Have a basic understanding of addition and subtraction and money management;
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Use technology (e.g., cellular phone, laptop, tablet, email) on a basic level;
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Be able to remain unsupervised for 12 hours, including managing their health and dietary needs;
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Be able to sit and attend a full day of activities and attend multiple class periods each day (1.5 hours increments);
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Be able to participate in coursework and campus life with faded supports;
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Be able to handle changes in routine; can be flexible in fluctuating circumstances;
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Have the potential to be successful in competitive employment situations (work experience or volunteer experience is highly recommended before entering the program);
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Have parent(s)/guardian(s) who encourage his/her independence;
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Have no history of challenging/conduct behaviors;
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Have the skills necessary to navigate a college campus with limited support;
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Be independent in handling their own medication, specialized dietary and medical needs, and using their own medication (Auburn University staff is not available to manage/administer medications). The EAGLES program does not take responsibility for specialized diets or medical needs.;
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Have a smart cellular phone;
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Have access to a bank account and funds for needs;
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Participate in a mandatory Auburn University Camp War Eagle, Program Orientation, and EAGLES social activities.
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Students must independently manage basic hygiene tasks like bathing, brushing teeth, and washing hands or follow guidance and reminders for these activities.
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Students should understand the importance of hygiene for health, including wearing clean clothes, using soap, and avoiding illness-spreading behaviors.
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Students with medical conditions requiring special hygiene care must adhere to necessary routines independently.
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 $1,400 per semester
- Housing and Residence Life: Approximately $6,000 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 is now closed. Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort will open July 1, 2025.
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 emails received over the weekends or holidays.
