Paying for College

KU TPE is a Comprehensive Transition Program, which allows qualified students to obtain federal financial aid in the form of: 

• Pell Grants
• Work-Study
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Federal Direct Student Loans and PLUS Loans are not available.

Financial Aid Resources:

• KU Financial Aid & Scholarships
• First Time FAFSA Tutorial
• Paying for College Webinar from Think College
• Schedule an appointment with KU Financial Aid: 785-864-4700

Completing the FAFSA

• Students and their families must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine financial aid eligibility.
• Make sure to check the box for Work Study while applying.
• The FAFSA application opens in early October each year. Keep up with the latest information about financial aid by watching the KU Financial Aid & Scholarships website.
• December 1 is the priority deadline for applying for financial aid for the 2022-23 school year.

*IMPORTANT*: The FAFSA will ask, What degree or certificate will you be working on when you begin the 2022-2023 school year?

Select: Certificate/diploma (occupational/technical/education program of at least 2 years). See sample image below.

Resources on scholarships for students with intellectual disability.

• Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship
• Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
• Scholarships and Resources for Students with Disabilities
• Scholarship Search Platform and Guide
• Additional Scholarships

KU TPE also encourages students and families to explore local financial aid opportunities. Here are a few ways to do so.

• Contact your high school guidance counselor and ask about scholarship databases and searches
• Look in your community. Often, local organizations such as rotary clubs, churches, and service organizations provide financial support for students.

ABLE National Resource Center and the Kansas ABLE Savings Plan can help you save for college! The ABLE Act for 2014 gives families the ability to establish tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. Below are informative videos about ABLE.