The cost for attending CLSC is approximately $26,000 per year for in state students and about $29,000 for out-of-state students. For students who live on campus, there is an additional fee of approximately $11,000 for a room and meal plan (actual amounts for tuition and fees vary each year).
However, financial support is available for Delaware residents through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, and the Delaware Advance Scholarship for those who qualify. For out of state students, CLSC is happy to meet with families and state agencies in their home states as they consider possible funding arrangements.
All students and families should expect that they will have to pay a portion of tuition and fees for attending the program, and this is usually approximately $3,000 to $7,000 per year, depending on a student’s funding package. This estimate does not include the fees for living on campus.
Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grants
CLSC is a Federally recognized Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program (CTP), which allows CLSC students to apply for federal aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Depending on income, the range of awards students can receive is $0 – $6,495 per year.
Students and families are strongly encouraged to submit a FAFSA to determine how much aid they may receive. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Other funding opportunities
Think College, the national coordinating center for inclusive higher education programs, provides further funding information on Paying for College.
Families can use 529 savings plans toward costs for CLSC. Also, scholarship opportunities outside the University may be available.
Part-time employment outside of CLSC
Students are expected to make CLSC their top priority. Some students do maintain part-time jobs while they are enrolled. However, attendance, active participation, and completion of assignments are expected to take priority over outside work and students may need to adjust their work schedules accordingly.
Delaware students only
Delaware Advance Scholarship
Students are eligible for the Delaware Advance Scholarship if they:
- are residents of Delaware
- have completed high school or their 18-21 program within the past 3 years, and
- have completed a FAFSA
Awards in the past have ranged from $3,000-$5,000 per year depending on the total number of awardees.
To apply for the Advance scholarship, students must:
- Submit a FAFSA application and indicate the University of Delaware.
- Submit an unofficial transcript showing the student completed high school or an 18-21 program to Lahnee’ Piner at clsc-info@udel.edu or to 461 Wyoming Rd, Newark, DE 19716 by September 1.
Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)
Based on a review of previous students’ support, students can expect to receive between $7,000 and $12,200 per year toward the cost of the program through the Pathways to Employment Medicaid waiver. Contact your DDDS Community Navigator for more information.
Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR may be able to provide financial support for eligible individuals interested in attending CLSC. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss available funding with their DVR counselor. Eligibility and funding are determined by DVR based on individual need. If accepted, we encourage all students to reach out to their DVR counselors to discuss how CLSC fits into their employment plan and if they are eligible for funding as soon as possible.