Best Colleges for Neurodivergent Students and Those with Learning Differences

Neurodivergence is a term that includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other learning differences. It describes the challenges and opportunities that students with such conditions face. 

Undoubtedly, your child must find a college or university that not only has the necessary support systems in place but also promotes:

• An environment of academic competence
• Opportunities for personal development
• Appropriate accommodations
• Individualized resources

This article reveals the best colleges for neurodivergent students and how to determine the right one for your child. Read on for more information about which programs to consider.

What Makes a College Neurodivergent-Friendly?

A neurodivergent-inclusive college offers full-fledged social, academic and emotional services for students. These institutions respect that neurodivergent students have special needs and they introduce elaborate programs that target those issues. They may offer:

• Dedicated support programs: Programs at these institutions may help with executive function coaching, social skills development, and special learning methods with the help of academic and personal support. 
• Flexible learning accommodations: Neurodivergent-friendly colleges may offer expanded test-taking time options, note-taking support, private places to study and alternative assignment choices.
• Small class sizes: Smaller classes can help professors find time for each student and bring individualized instruction to their classes. Small classes can open new avenues for learning.
• Comprehensive career services: Goal setting, job placement and internships can specifically help neurodivergent students. These programs meet individual needs and contribute to an increased number of students from diverse backgrounds who embark on successful career paths.
• Social support and peer mentoring: Many colleges across the U.S. implement peer mentorship programs that give peer advice and create inclusive social environments. Choosing the right environment can help you construct a social environment that fosters a feeling of belonging. 
• Assistive technology: Assistive tools, such as speech recognition software, organizational apps and adaptive learning platforms can make the learning experience much more efficient and push neurodivergent students to succeed.

Note that these options aren’t the only benefits for neurodivergent students.

Top Colleges for Neurodivergent Students

Many colleges and universities give excellent support to neurodivergent students. Here are some of the best schools for neurodivergent students, including a mix of big universities, small liberal arts colleges and specialized programs.

Landmark College

Location: Putney, Vermont

Perks for neurodivergent students: Devoted to students with learning differences (including ADHD, autism and dyslexia)

Landmark College in Putney, Vermont, is one of the very few institutions in the United States solely devoted to educating students with learning differences, including ADHD, autism and dyslexia. 

A well-organized classroom is part and parcel of the school’s curriculum. The college adds personalization to individual differences, and all services are adjusted according to students’ requirements. The college also provides time management skills courses, tutoring and assistive technology for students. Students enrolled in these courses not only get support but also acquire specific skills to improve their learning efficiency. Small classes allow students to get all the attention they need and learn the best tactics to help themselves with academics.

Landmark College offers specialization in education and offers tremendous personal support to students.

University of Arizona

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Perks for neurodivergent students: Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center, academic coaching, specialized tutoring, social integration opportunities

The University of Arizona in Tucson is home to one of the most ingenious student support programs, the Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center. The SALT Center offers “academic coaching,” a one-on-one executive function improvement skills class such as time management, organization and study strategies. 

The program enhances the learning process by providing the necessary resources and specialized tutoring. Neurodivergent students at the University of Arizona receive a quid pro quo relationship with the university due to their acceptance in an environment where the faculty knows how to support students and give them the necessary accommodations, including combining academic support with social integration opportunities, including structural assistance.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

Location: Rochester, New York

Perks for neurodivergent students: Spectrum Support Program, academic and social support, career readiness opportunities, STEM career development opportunities 

RIT in Rochester, New York, provides a Spectrum Support Program, which is specially created to assist autistic students. The students can get academic and social support on a one-on-one basis. The college offers a special range of programs for neurodivergent students and the institution integrates the students into the environment by giving them hands-on projects and making them part of career readiness programs. 

RIT offers a social integration program and mentorship opportunities voluntarily that are designed to help students decide the course of their academic and personal lives. RIT is for students who are passionate about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as it strongly emphasizes career development in those areas.

University of Connecticut 

Location: Storrs, Connecticut

Perks for neurodivergent students: Beyond Access Program, cognitive coaching, peer mentoring, extra support in organization, time management, self advocacy

The Beyond Access Program at the University of Connecticut in Storrs is an initiative that assists students with various neurodivergent conditions. Cognitive coaching and peer mentoring are the main instruments of the support program, which assist students in their academic work by enhanсing their time management and other skills. 

The program fosters an atmosphere where everyone is included, thereby providing these students with the means to succeed. Moreover, the Beyond Access Program helps students seeking extra support with organizational abilities, time management, self-advocacy and so on. Neurodiversity is central to UConn’s broader mission of inclusivity and accessibility, which can appeal to neurodivergent students seeking a holistic education.

Drexel University 

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Perks for neurodivergent students: Autism Support Program, learning specialists who offer career counseling and social skills training, internships and work placements

The Autism Support Program at Drexel University in Philadelphia supplies students with both academic and social talks, which can go a long way in enabling student success in their coursework. Students have access to a learning specialist, who can offer career counseling and social skills training. 

Service learning (service while learning) fuels Drexel’s co-op program. Internships and work placements offer invaluable, practical real-world experience to neurodivergent students, which helps them grow in experience and get better job opportunities. Drexel displays a harmonious interplay of strong academic support and hands-on experience during co-op sessions.

Beacon College 

Location: Leesburg, Florida

Perks for neurodivergent students: Committed to students with learning disabilities and ADHD, including small classes and individualized academic support

Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida, is fully committed to students with learning disabilities and ADHD. The environment includes small class sizes and individualized academic support that prepares students for life after graduation. 

Beacon’s teaching staff uses methods tailor-made for teaching, and that makes learning interesting for neurodivergent students. The culture focuses on student independence and the skills needed for a career in a highly supportive academic setting.

University of Denver 

Location: Denver, Colorado

Perks for neurodivergent students: Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) to assist with executive functioning, academic support, social integration; offers peer mentoring

The Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) at the University of Denver helps neurodivergent students with executive functioning skills, academic support and social integration. The program serves as a personal academic coach that helps peer mentoring and conducts workshops set up especially for the student designed to help the student reach his/her goals. 

The University of Denver’s belief in diversity and its provision for tailor-made academic support to every student is a serious pro for those looking for neurodivergent guidance.

Marshall University

Location: Huntington, West Virginia

Perks for neurodivergent students: College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, emphasizing advising and career success in an inclusive, supportive environment

The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, offers academic, social and other functional skills support. The program creates opportunities designed to help the students become well-prepared for college life and develop relevant skills for independent living. 

Marshall University emphasizes advising and career success and offers an inclusive, supportive college atmosphere, which makes it a better option for neurodivergent students looking for a well-structured support system.

How to Choose the Right College for Neurodivergent Students

You’ll need to consider a wide variety of considerations when choosing a college that will best suit your child’s needs. Here are some key aspects to evaluate:

• Class sizes and learning environment: Smaller classes can offer students special attention and can have an incredible impact on student success, so consider a school with smaller class sizes.
• Available accommodations: Verify that the college provides essential learning accommodations such as extra time on tests, assistive technology, and a support system that specializes in a specific area.
• Campus culture and inclusivity: Visit the college and decide whether the campus enables you to be part of a group of neurodivergent students.
• Academic support programs: Look for programs developed specifically for neurodivergent students and get information about the assistance provided.
• Coaching opportunities: Colleges that help students find mentors and offer coaching programs can help them work through a wide variety of academic and social issues.

Learn more: What is Rolling Admission?

Additional Resources for Neurodivergent College Students

Neurodivergent students can be more successful and have a better time in college if they get additional resources. Below are some useful tools and communities:

• Online communities and support groups: Websites like Understood.org, ADDitude and Autism Speaks offer suggestions and the opportunity to get support from peers.
• Scholarships and financial aid: Several groups offer financial support to ASD students, including the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) and the Autism Society.
• Assistive technology and study tools: Applications such as Grammarly, Kurzweil 3000, and Evernote can help your child with organization and acquiring knowledge.

Find the Right College for Your Neurodiverse Student

Every student wants to find the perfect college, and you likely want to find one that accepts and caters to your child’s needs. Research and explore various academic programs, visit college campuses, and pose the right questions so you and your student can make the most rational decisions.

Look for a college that fits your child’s study habits and support needs, visit college websites and talk to admission counselors and students on campus who study to get a nice peek into their academic community. The appropriate college fit can be a significant factor in self-support, self-assurance and the highest educational level of knowledge.

Learn more: How to Reach Out to Colleges

FAQs

Still have questions about the best college for neurodivergent students? Let’s take a look.

Which college is good for students with ADHD?

Generally, Landmark College, the University of Denver and Beacon College offer great options for students with ADHD because they offer focused educational options and enable individualized support. However, note that it’s important to visit college campuses before you make a final decision about which college fits your child.

Which college is the best for people with autism?

RIT, Marshall University and the University of Arizona offer awesome autism support programs centered on both students’ academic and social needs. Consider visiting these schools to ensure you choose the right option for your child.

Which college major suits an autistic person?

Autistic students might consider STEM fields, graphic design, psychology and special education with a structured and focused approach and focus on students’ personal strengths.

If a student with neurodiversity appropriately chooses a college with the different tools they need, college life can be an exceedingly positive journey for them, complete with formal training executive functioning skills.