Almost every college says they are accessible to neurodiverse people. Most will have a page on their website about how everyone is welcome and how much they respect the ADA. However, colleges range wildly when it comes to actually providing services and accessibility. Not all schools are the right fit when it comes to students with ADHD. Having the right mix of culture and services can be essential for students who are worried that their ADHD might hold them back from a degree. Many colleges have programs to help students who struggle with ADHD and/or other disabilities. We think it’s important that every student that wants to go to college can go to college and feel safe and supported. That’s why we have compiled a list of our top schools for students with ADHD.
Northeastern
Northeastern offers The Learning Disabilities Program (LDP). The LDP helps support students “whose primary disability is a learning disability and/or attention deficit disorder.” LDP students meet with a specialist twice weekly. In these meetings, students talk about their goals, learning profile, and coursework. They also work on studying and test-taking strategies, reading, writing, and executive functioning (e.g., planning, time management, and organization). The program also has services that help set and monitor progress toward goals and the use of accommodations and campus resources. Students interested in the program can also reach out and/or visit before applying to learn more about support on campus.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona has a center for supporting students with a host of different needs. Their Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) provides support for students with both learning and attention challenges. SALT provides access to support specialists, CRLA certified tutors, tech support (ie help with classroom tools, mind-mapping, creating citations, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, calendaring, email, etc), psychological services, curated student support resources, and academic skills modules. They also have an Academic Intervention program in reading, writing, math, organization, researching, test-taking, and time management. Having a support center on campus can really help students that need the extra help when approaching college with ADHD.
University of Connecticut
U Conn hosts the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). They support students with a wide range of needs and push for accessibility and inclusion on campus. Programs and services include academic advising, a peer-to-peer mentorship program, an honor society, technology and interpretation services, and study abroad help for students with disabilities. The center offers help to students with all sorts of disabilities and not just with ADHD.
Hofstra
Hofstra has The Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS). PALS serves students with specific learning disabilities and ADD or ADHD. Each student is set up with a learning specialist who they meet with throughout their university career. Hofstra also offers academic coaching, an honor society, assistive technology, and online resources for students with different needs.
West Virginia Wesleyan College
West Virginia Wesleyan (not to be confused with Wesleyan in Connecticut… which while champions Accessibility, does not have any academic programs specifically designed for students with disabilities) offers a wealth of disability resource services. WVW offers Comprehensive Advisors, weekly guidance, Individualized Accommodation Plans, Extended time and separate test-taking location, Note-takers, Preferential registration, professional tutoring through The Mentor Advantage Program, and peer tutoring groups.
University of Denver
The University of Denver has the Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP). The program supports neurodiverse learners, students with diagnosed learning differences, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and students on the autism spectrum. The program is 40 years old, which is pretty unique. LEP also has close ties to Disability Services Program and the Health and Counseling Center. Students in the program meet with academic counselors and are given tools to take control of their own education. They also have a pre-orientation program to make sure students are prepared for college life.
Not every student with ADHD needs a specialized program. But some students will find the help and support of specific services hugely beneficial in their college careers. Having resource centers and programs also means that there are more neurodiverse students on campus which can make a huge difference when it comes to finding support and community. We often work with students with all sorts of different needs when it comes to college so believe us when we say, everyone should have access to a college education if they want one. If you have ADHD adding schools like this to your list might make all the difference.
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