The ADHD-Friendly College List
Neurodivergent student support in college comes in many different forms, and can extend beyond disability services. Learn how to create a list of ADHD-friendly schools here.
Name recognition alone should not determine your child’s target college list. A strong undergraduate fit ticks boxes for academics, extracurriculars, and campus life, as well as another key attribute: neurodivergent student support.
One common and alluring trap that ensnares students with ADHD selecting prospective college: applying only to highly selective schools or to the colleges on their friends’ lists. Every student should strive to create a balanced list that includes “reach schools” (where admission is less likely but possible), “match schools” (where the student’s academic profile falls into the admission zone), and “likely schools” (where admission is probable). For students with ADHD, there should be another consideration: the depth and breadth of disability support services.
[Read: 4 Hallmarks of ADHD-Friendly Colleges]
In general, colleges fall into one of three support levels:
1. Accommodations Only
These colleges offer basic accommodations through a disability services office. Common supports include extended time on exams or priority seating in class. Students typically need to request accommodations at the start of each semester and may need to coordinate separately with each professor.
[Read: The College Survival Guide for Students with ADHD]
2. Service-Level Support
These schools offer services like executive function coaching, time management help, and academic advising. Some of them include these services in the price of tuition, while others charge an additional fee. Schools in this category include Curry College, Hofstra University, and American University.
3. Comprehensive Support
The most supportive college programs may include academic, social, and even career services. They usually require a separate application and limit enrollment. Schools with strong comprehensive support programs include the University of Arizona’s SALT Center, Beacon College, and Landmark College.
Best Colleges for ADHD: Next Steps
- Read: Questions to Ask Before You Choose a College
- Watch: College Accommodations for Neurodivergent Students
- Read: How to Succeed in College with ADHD – Evidence-Based Strategies That Work
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