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Inclusive Postsecondary Education

Oklahoma offers comprehensive Inclusive Post Secondary Education (IPSE) for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities that want to attend college. These programs provide support to advance skills in the areas of independent living, social interaction, academics, and employment. Oklahoma has three certificate programs for students with intellectual disability that are designated by the U.S. Department of Education as comprehensive transition and postsecondary education programs (CTP):

  • RiverHawks Scholar Program at Northeastern State University
  • Sooner Works at the University of Oklahoma
  • Opportunity Orange Scholars at Oklahoma State University

Additional information is provided in the Programs section below. The CTP designation allows students to apply for federal financial aid. (See Financial Aid section below.) In addition, the Neill-Wint Center for Neurodiversity at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is an inclusive program for degree-seeking students with autism.

Please refer to the application guidelines for each program for specific information.

 

Programs Financial Aid What to Expect in College Additional Resources

Programs

NSU KEEP

Northeastern State University RiverHawks Scholar Program

The Northeastern State University RiverHawks Scholar Program is a four year, fully inclusive certificate program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Students will take two traditional university classes in areas of interest, with appropriate supports, in addition to one specialized class each semester. Students will have trained peer mentors and participate in campus activities of their choice. Students will be placed in on-campus and off-campus internships throughout their four years. Upon completion of the program, these students receive social, career and academic skills that can lead them to life success.

OU Sooner Works KEEPUniversity of Oklahoma Sooner Works

The University of Oklahoma's Sooner Works is a comprehensive integrated program for students with an intellectual or developmental disability who desire a postsecondary experience on a college campus. The program is a four-year certificate program offering a college experience to prepare participants for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of coursework and career exploration. Students in Sooner Works live on campus and take traditional university courses in conjunction with courses specific to Sooner Works. In addition, students will participate in internships and social organizations on the beautiful University of Oklahoma campus.

OSU Opportunity Orange KEEPOklahoma State University Opportunity Orange Scholars

Opportunity Orange Scholars is designed for young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 with intellectual disability and do not meet OSU's degree-seeking admission criteria. Students admitted into the Opportunity Orange Scholars program can pursue a two-year, non-degree academic certificate in Career and Community Studies. Students will be fully immersed in the OSU experience, as they live and learn on campus.

USAO Neill-Wint KEEPUniversity of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Neill-Wint Center for Neurodiversity

The Neill-Wint Center for Neurodiversity will assist students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the transition to college life and help ensure postsecondary success. The program focuses on a collaborative model that promotes the development of self-advocacy and independent living skills to encourage strong academic and social progress. Varying levels of academic, social and residential support will aid students in meeting their personal and professional goals.


Financial Aid

Students attending college should submit the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available each year.

Students enrolled in the programs at NSU, OSU, and OU may qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study programs, and the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant. Students in these programs may not qualify for student loans. The Oklahoma Access and Achievement Scholarship may also be available to students enrolled in these programs.

Students attending the Science and Arts program may qualify for all federal and state financial aid, including grants, work-study and student loans.

Visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more about federal aid for students enrolled in Comprehensive Transition Programs.

Visit the Oklahoma Inclusive Postsecondary Education Alliance's Paying for College page to find grant and scholarship resources.

Learn more about applying for and receiving financial aid on the Financial Aid Planning page.


What to Expect in College

Think College

Higher education will be different than high school. Some of the support systems will be different and expectations may be higher. Students and families can prepare for the changes to ensure a smooth transition! Check out this resource from the Think College Transition Project.


Additional Resources

OKIPSE

Oklahoma Inclusive Postsecondary Education Alliance

Oklahoma Able Tech
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services Think College
Project Search Oklahoma State Department of Education Special Education Services
Lead Learn Live

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.