10 Best Colleges for Students With Autism 2025

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects around one in 31 children in the United States. To reflect the prevalence of this condition, universities have begun offering autism support programs and developmental disability services to make college life accessible.

Learn more about the top colleges for students with autism based on several factors, including schools that offer scholarships for autistic students, college support programs, and more to promote academic success.

Top Schools for Neurodivergent and Autistic Students

Neurodivergent college students can earn their degrees and receive the same college experience as their peers thanks to the best colleges for students with learning disabilities. These schools make higher education accessible and provide social support services for students with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and more.

1. Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has a College Supports Program (CSP) designed to help promote academic and social skills for on-campus students with ASD. CSP includes specialty study tables that provide executive functioning support, in-class academic support, and support with daily living skills, such as daily hygiene, fitness, and self-care. This service isn't limited to a single type of degree program, and students are free to choose the academic program that best suits their goals. CSP costs $5,500 per semester beyond tuition costs for daily support services.

• Average in-state tuition: $7,960.00 flat block tuition rate for full-time enrollment
• Average out-of-state tuition: $7,960.00 flat block tuition rate for full-time enrollment
• Financial aid: Students can submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. EMU also offers department-specific programs and scholarships for first-year students from various backgrounds.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) has two New Jersey campuses that provide students with ASD access to the COMPASS program. The COMPASS program costs $3,815 per semester and requires a special additional application due to limited space. Students who are admitted to the program will receive two hours of hands-on academic support, one hour of individual counseling, and one group therapy session weekly through the fall and winter semesters.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,198 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,198 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FDU accepts FAFSA results, including federal grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. Saint Joseph's University

The Kinney Center at Saint Joseph's University's (SJU) Philadelphia campus coordinates the Autism Support Promoting Inclusive and Responsive Education (ASPIRE) Program to help students with ASD achieve college success. One of the features of the ASPIRE Program is the supported residence hall. Learners can attend classes and complete their coursework while living in the supported residence hall to receive assistance with non-academic activities, such as personal care, developing social interaction skills, and other necessary life skills. This living situation often leads to a smoother college transition than standard dorm rooms. The ASPIRE care package costs $8,000 per academic year.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,839 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,839 per credit hour
• Financial aid: In addition to traditional federal aid programs, SJU offers special financial considerations for students with unexpected changes in financial status.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. George Mason University

The Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI) is the college autism spectrum support program at George Mason University (GMU), located in Virginia. MASI costs $7,200 per academic year and provides students with access to multiple avenues of support. GMU provides access to learning strategists, peer mentoring, non-academic courses that teach life skills, as well as specially designed social events.

• Average in-state tuition: $526 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1432 per credit hoiur
• Financial aid: GMU students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA forms each year to qualify for grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. Mercyhurst University

Mercyhurst University offers students access to the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) at its Erie, PA, campus. This education program was originally started in 2008 with four students and now assists around 70 students each year. AIM services include specialized housing and on- and off-campus social activities. The AIM program is all-encompassing and includes independent living skills and career advising services to support life after school.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,428 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,428 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Meryhurst Students have access to Federal student aid through FAFSA as well as institutional grants and scholarships.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Marshall University

Marshall University's College Program for Students with ASD provides an individual approach to support for neurodiverse students in West Virginia. Marshall's advisors meet with students and work to establish personal and academic goals. This program works with students throughout their college experience and helps provide career support to learners as they transition to the next stage of their lives. Students enrolled in this program pay $5,000 per semester.

• Average in-state tuition: $391 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $849 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Marshall University awards over $20 million to students in the form of institutional grants and scholarships and accepts federal aid awarded after FAFSA submission.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University (CMU) has an autism support group that combines neurotypical and neurodivergent students to find common ground and provide assistance to each other. This peer-based approach helps students with ASD develop skills such as self-advocacy, time management, and life skills while providing social development opportunities. The CMU group has alumni who have moved to other schools, and the program is beginning to branch campuses and universities.

• Average in-state tuition: $477 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $477 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CMU accepts FAFSA-based federal aid and awards over $55 million yearly in institutional funds.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Illinois Institute of Technology

The Illinois Institute of Technology, also called Illinois Tech, has a peer mentoring program for students with ASD and other disorders on the autism spectrum. This program pairs older undergraduate students with new students to encourage communication skills and social interaction. Outside of their mentor, students will also meet regularly with a representative from the disabilities office to discuss school-related concerns.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,721 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,721 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Illinois Tech accepts FAFSA and has scholarships for new students, transfer students, and other institutional grants and scholarships.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Loras College

Loras College (LC) is a small Catholic university located in Iowa, but its ARCH Program has helped it receive recognition as one of the top universities nationwide for students with ASD. LC began its supportive, special education programs in 1986 and has continued to help students with a variety of conditions earn bachelor's degrees and continue to graduate school or careers. The ARCH program begins with a five-day summer session between high school graduation and the first day of classes in the fall and continues through the undergraduate level.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,314 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,314 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students eligible for the Pell Grant and Iowa Tuition Grant can qualify for free tuition. The school also accepts other federal grants, loans, and work-study programs, and private scholarships.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) has the Kelly Autism Program available to students with ASD. The Kelly Autism Program is open to younger students through its Prime Time program and to college students through the Circle of Support. The Circle of Support is a multi-faceted approach to supporting students with ASD. This includes private residence halls, social events, mentoring, and more. Admission to the Circle of Support costs $5,000 per semester.

• Average in-state tuition: $475 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,125 per credit hour
• Financial aid: WKU accepts FAFSA and also has scholarships for new, current, and transfer students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Many schools have begun introducing support programs for students with ASD. To rank these schools, we used three strict criteria to ensure that students have access to support services, affordable tuition, and accredited degrees.

• Accreditation: Every program has regional accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency. This ensures your degree can lead to graduate school and help you achieve employment.
• Affordability: We highlighted programs with affordable tuition rates or expansive financial aid packages to reduce rates.
• Resources for students with autism: All of these schools have support services for students with ASD that extend to all aspects of their college life. These services start with incoming freshmen and extend to graduation and even into career advising services.

How To Find an Autism-Friendly College

Looking for an autism-friendly college should involve looking for ASD-specific support services. These services include mentoring and support services to help with academic performance, but there is more to college than just coursework. The best schools for students with ASD include support beyond academics. You should also look for schools that offer social activities, special residency, and mental health counseling services.

FAQs About the Best Colleges for Autistic Students

The number of students diagnosed with ASD has increased, and more schools have begun offering support services for these students. As a result, students with ASD and their parents often have questions about the best college programs for students with autism.

What Is the Best College Degree for People With Autism?

The best college degree for people with autism varies, as each person with ASD will have different preferences and skill sets. Some of the best college degrees for students with learning disabilities include computer science, information technology, graphic design, and other careers that can lead to remote employment and fewer customer-facing roles.

Is College Free for Autistic Students?

There are financial aid opportunities available to autistic students, including specific scholarships and grants, but there is no universal program making college free. Students with ASD can submit their FAFSA each year, which can help them qualify for full tuition coverage at some schools, such as Loras College, based on financial need.

What Colleges Offer Strong Support Programs for Students With Autism?

Some of the strongest support systems for students with autism can be found at Eastern Michigan University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Saint Joseph's University. The programs on this list have some of the top-ranking programs, but many other schools, such as Drexel University and Rutgers University, have support services. It is only becoming more common for schools to offer ASD support.

Explore Online Programs

Learn more about these schools and many others that offer ASD support services by reading our articles and school profiles. Once you've found the best school for you and your educational goals, use our resources to request information or start your application process.