Browse our list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the program or jump to a section by selecting a category/question.
Program Model
- Is an individual of at least 18 years of age, transfer students are eligible to enter through the age of 28
- Has a documented disability diagnosis of intellectual disability
- Has completed high school with or without a high school diploma, received services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), been served by IDEA, or completed an alternate assessment portfolio. Students should no longer receive support from their high school at the start of the UNT ELEVAR program
- Has basic functional skills in reading, writing, and mathematics with or without assistive technology
- Has completed high school with or without a high school diploma and no longer receives support from their high school at the start of the UNT ELEVAR program
- Has a personal interest to attend college and is seeking greater independence and
employment by enhancing social, communication, vocational, health and wellness, and
life skills in an inclusive post-secondary education program as demonstrated through
a personal statement and interview
Is willing and able to live communally and independently with other UNT or UNT ELEVAR students in campus housing during the program as demonstrated through the Transition Pathway program or other evidence (e.g., overnight camps, etc.) - Can function independently (e.g., navigate campus on their own or with appropriate support) and participate in semester-long workshops and seminars that last between 90 minutes and 2 hours
- Displays skills to manage stress and adapt to change or the ability to learn such coping skills with minimal disruption to others. Exhibits responsible and socially adaptive behavior with minimal supervision and appropriate support
- Has sufficient emotional and independent ability to participate in all aspects of the UNT ELEVAR program and the University of North Texas
- Demonstrates the ability to accept personal responsibility for actions and maintains respect for self and others and understands and follows all UNT safety and health requirements
- Has limited or no history of disruptive or aggressive behavior.
- Independently self-administers and manages medication, specialized dietary and/or medical needs.
- Serve as their own full legal guardian. Individuals with ID who have a supported decision-making agreement are also encouraged to apply and decisions will be made on an individual basis
- Demonstrate the potential to successfully achieve personal and program goals within the context of the UNT ELEVAR program and setting.
The components of the UNT ELEVAR Program include:
- Culturally Responsive Person-Centered Planning
- Traditional UNT courses (zero-credit/non-degree seeking)
- UNT ELEVAR courses (e.g., financial literacy, life skills, sex/health education, etc.)
- Pair or unpaid employment opportunities in integrated and competitive employment settings based on the student's career of choice
- Inclusive social experiences with other UNT students on campus and in the community
- On-campus and independent living
- Traditional UNT courses (zero-credit/non-degree seeking) based on their person-centered plan
- UNT ELEVAR courses (e.g., financial literacy, life skills, sex/health education, etc.) to strengthen their individual skills
- Yes! UNT ELEVAR students will be placed in an integrated and competitive employment setting (on- or off-campus) based on the student's person-centered plan. These opportunities may be paid or unpaid and the hours will be tailored for each individual student depending on their skills, past experiences, and goals.
- Students will be supported by UNT ELEVAR job coaches and an employment supervisor that will help facilitate natural supports in their employment setting.
- The program is designed to empower young adults with intellectual disabilities who wish to continue post-secondary education to become self-determined, independent, and healthy adults readied for integrated competitive employment.
- Our program is designed to be fully inclusive, meaning that classes, employment, and other experiences are designed for the students to be included in traditional spaces/settings.
- UNT ELEVAR students are able to access any UNT traditional course available in the catalog and participate in any UNT student organization, activity, or experience. *Courses always need prior approval through the ELEVAR program
- Join the thousands of UNT students in being part of the Mean Green family!
- As the first Hispanic and Minority serving institution to house an inclusive post-secondary education program in Texas, UNT ELEVAR strives to facilitate natural and culturally responsive individual supports and services for students with intellectual disabilities from diverse and underrepresented communities through an inclusive college experience across academics, employment, community engagement, health and well-being
- UNT ELEVAR students are encouraged to gain independence and leadership experiences as part of their education. UNT ELEVAR personnel can provide initial support such as navigation around campus, navigating everyday decision making, selecting and obtaining transportation, support with UNT related questions or tasks (e.g., meal plan, replacement of student ID, counseling services, etc.)
- In addition, UNT ELEVAR personnel guide the students through advising and coursework.
- The program will provide accommodations and modifications depending on individual needs.
- Peer allies (i.e., traditional students) can also assist introducing ELEVAR students to other peers and friends, and assist in helping them become involved in student clubs or university events, etc.
The UNT ELEVAR program has an approximate maximum cost of $33,000 per year. This includes tuition, university fees, program fees, room and board, and a 7-day meal plan.
Breakdown of Yearly Cost
UNT Traditional Course Tuition ($688.11 per credit hour) x 12 credit hours per year (4 traditional courses) = $8,258
Room and Board (Legends Hall rent and meal plan) x 9 months = approximately $10,856
UNT University fees (e.g., transportation, recreation center, university union, health/wellness center, etc.) = $1,839
ELEVAR Program Fees ($6,000 per semester) = $12,000
*Note: All costs change from year to year depending on university guidelines.
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- The UNT ELEVAR program holds the U.S. Department of Education Comprehensive Transition Accreditation. That means that UNT ELEVAR students are now eligible for Pell Grants and Work Study through Financial Aid.
- UNT ELEVAR program scholarships are also available. Applications for scholarships will open in the summer prior to the Fall semester.
- At this time, the Texas Workforce is assisting with fees associated with the programs. Please contact your vocational counselor for more information.
We invite you to attend one of our Open Houses (see ELEVAR Events section). Since the UNT ELEVAR program is part of UNT and our students will be completely integrated into the UNT campus as all other students, we encourage potential students and families to complete one of our UNT tours, whether in person or virtual.
Yes! We are excited that there are other programs available in Texas and around the U.S. ELEVAR is part of more than 300 programs across the nation. We encourage you to visit the Think College Search to learn more.
At this time, the UNT ELEVAR program is only available at the Denton campus.