College Admissions

• Be between the ages of 18-30 years of age at the start of the program year. 

• Have completed a K-12 education.

• Have a diagnosis that includes a learning disability, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD/ADD, or other neurological disorder, developmental disability, cognitive disability or other similar diagnosis. Most applicants will have a range of cognitive and processing abilities and executive functioning skills.

• Have a full-scale IQ, general ability index, or other validated test supporting that the individual’s reasoning ability and intellectual skills are adequate to be able to fully participate in MICC’s curriculum (often an IQ or General Ability index above 70).

• Does not require 24-hour supervision and or 1:1 support to be able to make safe decisions, navigate safely within MICC and the broader community, or participate in all required programming within MICC environment.

• Demonstrates a willingness to accept and follow rules and responds well to a structured and supported environment. 

• Ability to make decisions and use problem solving skills when participating in MICC programming both on and off campus without supervision. Including but not limited to volunteering, working, attending events, and when on public transportation.

• MICC is not a therapeutic, psychiatric, or medical/physical health program.
  Potential participants must have sufficient emotional and behavioral stability, impulse control and coping skills to live independently, participate socially, consistently attend classes as well as sufficient stability in physical health conditions and symptom to be able to manage independently or with minimal support within MICC’s environment without on-site medical staff. 

• Demonstrates ability and skills to volunteer or be employed without 1:1 supports. Has a history of good citizenship, and no history of criminal activity that would preclude them from obtaining employment.

• Can communicate verbally and/or non-verbally to convey wants, needs, opinions, and safety concerns and participate in MICC classes and activities.

• A high degree of interest and/or open mind regarding participating in MICC programs. MICC will also take into consideration whether the applicant has an involved support network, with realistic goals, recognition of the importance of communication and cooperation and who supports the goals and philosophy of the program.

• Has some preliminary skills including but not limited to independent living skills, self-care skills, socials skills, technology skills, and adequate maturity to be ready for the transition into MICC’s College program environment.  

• If you have any questions about the above criteria, reach out to our Admissions Team.

2026/2027 Year 1*

Application Fee: $25

Program Fee: $54,808

Room & Board: $9,860

Total: $64,668

College fees include:

• All instruction, books, and instructional materials

• Participation in classes, activities, and social engagement courses

• Staff supports which includes a staff:student ratio of 1:4 to 1:12 based upon curriculum.

• Program-related transportation

• 1:1 support services including advisors, instructors, job developers and transition specialists

Room & Board fees include:

• Furnished apartment and utilities

• Grocery and laundry stipends

Additional costs not included in program fees include:

• Health insurance, medications, and mental health care

• Cell phone

• Indirect costs including weekly spending money and activities

• Travel to and home for breaks

* Program fees and room and board amounts for the following program year will be announced in Spring 2027.

MICC offers need-based financial assistance for the College Program. We recommend completing the financial assistance application in tandem with the admissions application and submitting all required materials as soon as possible. If eligible for assistance, this allows us to send your financial award amount alongside an acceptance to the College Program, to help you best determine if you are ready to accept our offer. Both applications are found in the MICC Application Portal.

MICC utilizes an independent evaluation service, TADS, to collect, audit, and summarize family financial information. The results are reviewed by a designated internal financial assistance committee
to determine awards. MICC financial assistance is need-based and determined by family income, participant third-party funding, and expenses. Awards typically range from 10% to 30% of program fees. The maximum award for non-Minnesota residents is 20% of program fees.

State and County Waivers

In some cases, state or county funding can offset tuition costs. For example, in Minnesota, individuals can utilize home and community-based waiver services, and Wisconsin residents can use IRIS funds. Contact Financial Services at 612.326.5951 for details about funding in other states. 74% of current College participants utilize funding through the MN waiver programs (CDCS specifically).

Contact your local county agency or current case manager for information on how to use funding towards this program.

Medical Tax Deduction

Participating in MICC College might qualify as a medical tax deduction, but it’s essential to consult with your tax advisor for personalized advice.

529 Plan / 529A (ABLE) Plans

MICC is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is CARF accredited. For tax purposes, MICC is not considered an eligible educational institution by the IRS and does not issue 1098-T forms. Payments made to MICC from a 529 Plan are considered non-qualified distributions. Since the introduction and passing of the ABLE Act, families with children with special needs may fund a 529A Plan, which can be used for a program such as the MICC College program. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 did include a provision for limited rollover of funds from a 529 Plan to a 529A Plan. Please consult your tax advisor for information on how this may apply to you.

To further determine readiness and identify the best program fit, MICC Admissions may continue working with the applicant and their family in the following ways:

• A phone call with family or the applicant to learn more about topics like interests, coping skills, and safety. 
• Requesting contact information for referrals. 
• Requesting documentation such as evidence of K-12 completion, IEPS, Neuropsychological evaluations, etc. 
• Invitations to experience MICC! 
• Scheduling a meeting to discuss financial readiness and resource opportunities.