Financial Aid
Students enrolled in PASSAGE USA can use FAFSA to apply for need-based financial aid. The amount of aid you can receive depends on your financial need. To apply, submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. FAFSA or Financial Aid | University of South Alabama
- You must apply before the deadline.
- You must apply each year to stay eligible.
- Only Federal Pell Grants are awarded to individuals in the PASSAGE USA program who display financial need. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid.
- Students in PASSAGE USA are not eligible for student loans. nor are they eligible to claim tax exemption via 1098-T.
- Links to helpful information:
7 Things You Need Before Filling Out the FAFSA® Form – Federal Student Aid
8 Steps to Completing the FAFSA® Form – Federal Student Aid
Students who are clients of their state’s Vocational Rehabilitation agency may receive financial support to attend PASSAGE USA. Please contact your VR case manager for more information.
Veteran’s Education Benefits for dependents and survivors (also called Chapter 35
benefits). If you’re a dependent spouse or child—or the surviving spouse or child—of
a Veteran, you may qualify for Chapter 35 benefits or job training
through a GI Bill program. VA Education Benefits For Survivors And Dependents | Veterans Affairs - chapter 35
Scholarships
*The Gaillard-Neville Reynolds Scholarship for PASSAGE USA. The amount awarded each year is depends upon the contributions to the scholarship fund and student need.
*The Jake Pratt Scholarship Fund Sponsored by UPS will provide individual grants to people with Down syndrome who desire and intend to enroll or continue enrollment in a post-secondary program that will enhance their life through employment, independent living or life skills, or interests in any other areas.
*The Sheehan Scholarship is awarded annually to an individual with a disability that
is pursuing higher learning. These funds are available in the amount of $1,500 to
be used to help with costs associated with post-secondary training.
*Robert M. Treadwell Annual Scholarship provide post-secondary opportunities for students graduating from Mobile County High
Schools and Baldwin County High Schools who have a desire to continue their education
but may not have the opportunity to do so without a scholarship.
* Ruby’s Rainbow provides college scholarships for students with Down syndrome, spreading awareness of their capabilities and supporting their dreams of higher education and independence. Applications due in April.
Additional resources for Paying for College from ThinkCollege
Paying for College: Exploring Funding Sources for an Inclusive Postsecondary Education Program Summarizes 10 different sources of funding for college for students with ID
Federal Financial Aid for Students with ID Explains how the Higher Education Act opened the door for federal financial aid for students attending approved Comprehensive Transition Programs
Federal Financial Aid for Students with ID (Plain language) Provides a plain language explanation of federal financial aid options for students with intellectual disability
Scholarships for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Updated annually, this guide provides information on 20 scholarships, with guidance on how to find others in your area.
Use of Medicaid Waivers to Support Students with Intellectual Disability in College An introduction to Medicaid HCBS waivers with a general explanation of how some states have used them to support students with ID in college, and the types of PSE services and supports that waivers can fund.
Medicaid HCBS Waiver Support for Students with Intellectual Disability Attending College Provides more information for those who want to explore waivers within their own state.
Students with ID Accessing VA Benefits (Chapter 35) Basic information and resources that students and programs can use to take advantage of VA funding opportunities.