FAQ

Visitor Center Link: https://www.tamu.edu/visit/index.html

Students can be enrolled in Aggie ACHIEVE for up to four years as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements. We will conduct an annual evaluation at the end of each academic year to determine their continued eligibility for the following year.

Applications will be posted on October 1 annually. Applications are due electronically by December 1 by 11:59pm (CST), for admission the following fall semester.

We cannot accommodate individual appointments or tours. We really encourage people who are interested in coming to visit Aggie ACHIEVE to sign up for an open house in the fall or spring. Please see the admissions page for information on our open houses.

Aggie ACHIEVE Support fees and TAMU fees per semester:

• Designated Academic Fee: $891
• University Advancement Fee: $515
• Health Center Fee: $75
• Rec Sports Fee: $106
• Student Center Fee: $100
• Aggie ACHIEVE Support Fee: $9,632

Please refer to Student Business Services for an explanation of each of the fees above.

In addition, students will also have to pay for their housing on campus and meal plans. The rates for housing and meal plans vary each year. Housing and a mid-grade meal plan is estimated around $10,000 a year. Please refer to Texas A&M Residence Life for more information about housing and University Dining for more information on meal plans.

Please note that during year four, the cost may go down depending on the student’s employment and living needs.

Aggie ACHIEVE is recognized as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) by the U.S. Department of Education.

Aggie ACHIEVE is the first post-secondary program for students with intellectual disabilities in Texas to receive CTP accreditation, and joins a select group of other postsecondary institutions with CTPs in the country.

This means that students in Aggie ACHIEVE may qualify for three types of federal student aid:

1. Federal Pell Grants
2. Federal Work-Study
3. Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants

Students and their families can apply for federal aid by completing the FAFSA once accepted into the Aggie ACHIEVE program.

The courses are not transferable.

For the first two years of the program, Aggie ACHIEVE students live in White Creek Apartments on west campus.

During the third and fourth years, Aggie ACHIEVE students live off campus at an apartment or housing they select with their families.

At this time, Aggie ACHIEVE is only available at Texas A&M in College Station.

Only finalists for the incoming freshmen class are required to attend a two-week summer orientation in June prior to the start of their freshman year. Aggie ACHIEVE students do not participate in summer courses and are not required to be in College Station during the summer.

ThinkCollege is a great resource for youth with disabilities and their families to explore other postsecondary programs that are available.

Yes! The PATHS Certificate Program is a program offered through the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University that prepares graduates to be Direct Support Professionals, Para-Professionals or Child Care Professionals.

This two-year certificate program prepares graduates for employment in a career serving people with disabilities or working with children.

Learn more about PATHS.

Students who complete all four years in Aggie ACHIEVE will graduate with a Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University. Students will also earn micro-credentials each year focusing on key domains of the program, such as academics, employment skills, independent living, and social skills.

• Completed high school and are no longer receiving support from the school.
• Between ages 18-27 at the time of entry into the program.
• Students must serve as their own legal guardian.
• Documented disability diagnosis of intellectual disability or autism; received special education services in high school with an IEP.
• Demonstrate ability to live independently and take care of daily functioning and basic support needs (e.g., toileting, hygiene, feeding, etc.)
• Demonstrate at least 3rd grade reading level in comprehension and fluency.
• Demonstrate ability to function independently for a sustained period of time (e.g., able to sit through 90-minute courses and function independently for 1-hour blocks of time, including navigating campus independently).
• Demonstrate basic mathematics understanding and ability to use a calculator.
• Express desire and motivation to complete a postsecondary education program.
• Express desire to attain a job in an inclusive employment setting upon completing the
  program.
• Demonstrate active participation throughout the application and interview process.
• Demonstrate sufficient emotional and independent stability to participate in all aspects of the Aggie ACHIEVE coursework and campus environment.
• Be able to handle and adapt to change; not overly stressed when schedules or people change.
• Have proof of health insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, private).
• Be able to independently self-administer and manage medication and specialized dietary needs.
• Navigate campus safely (e.g., crossing streets and parking lots independently).

Applications are posted October 1 and are due December 1 each year. Application review will begin in early spring, with two-day, on-campus interviews held in April. All finalists will be required to attend a Summer Experience at TAMU in June. Applicants will be notified whether they are officially accepted after the completion of the summer experience.

We have put together a checklist for you that identifies the documents needed in the application. Additionally, we have posted an application outline available for you to review before you apply. We encourage you to use these resources to help you as you are planning your application.

Texas A&M students can volunteer by joining ACHIEVEMates. The ACHIEVEMates is a student organization dedicated to serving the Texas A&M community by advocating for inclusion and acceptance through establishing one-to-one relationships with Aggie ACHIEVE students.

Send us an email.