College Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: Planning for Students with Special Needs
There’s a moment, somewhere between the campus tours and the college acceptance letters, when it hits you: this isn’t going to be a typical transition. If you’re the parent of a student with special needs, planning for college can feel less like a next step and more like entering completely uncharted territory. The process is complex, layered, emotional, and at times, flat-out overwhelming.
When my daughter Emily was born, we found out at delivery that she had Down syndrome. I remember holding her and thinking not just about those early milestones like first words and first steps, but decades into the future. I pictured myself 40 years down the line with my adult daughter by my side and wondered: How do I prepare for this?
That moment became the starting point for my work as a financial advisor supporting families like mine. Over the years, I’ve learned a great deal about the challenges we face, especially when it comes to transitions like college. This next chapter isn’t just about academics—it’s about support systems, access, independence, and whether a school is truly equipped to meet your child where they are.
Let’s walk through some of the most important considerations.
The Rules Change
One of the key things to understand about college planning for students with special needs is that the rules change after high school. A lot.
In K–12, schools are legally obligated to provide support services based on a student’s IEP or 504 plan, but in college, those legal protections look different. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) no longer applies. Instead, accommodations fall under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. And while those laws require colleges to offer equal access, they don’t require them to offer the same services or supports your child may be used to.
Accommodations are no longer automatic. Each college decides what support they’ll provide, and they get to set the standards for how students qualify. In some cases, schools ask for updated evaluations that can cost thousands of dollars. There’s no universal standard and no oversight committee ensuring consistency across campuses, just a patchwork of policies and practices that can look wildly different from one school to the next. That’s why it’s critical to ask detailed questions early on and choose a college where your student’s support needs will be understood and met.
It’s Not Just About Services
Of course, accommodations matter. But the broader college environment matters just as much. The right setting can make the difference between surviving and thriving. For example, some students do best on smaller campuses, where they can build strong relationships with professors and feel a sense of community. Others may benefit from the energy and structure of a larger institution. Urban campuses can be great for students who want access to a wider variety of resources and public transportation, but they can also feel overwhelming to students with attention challenges or sensory sensitivities.
Think beyond academics. Consider the layout of the campus, the size of the student body, and the social climate. What kind of counseling support is available? How easy is it to get around? Will your child feel included? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about knowing your child—their strengths, their stressors, and the conditions that help them feel most supported.
Every Student Is Different
Some students need writing support or extra time on tests. Others need help with executive functioning, time management, or medication continuity. Still others benefit from social coaching or peer mentoring. Some may need all of the above.
College planning should reflect those individual needs. It should also anticipate the shifts that come with independence: managing a schedule, getting to class, staying on top of assignments, asking for help. For students who are used to having close support in high school, this can be a huge adjustment. And for parents, it can feel like letting go before you’re sure everything’s in place.
That’s why we encourage families to start planning early. Look for schools that offer robust disability services. Start conversations with the Office of Disability Services during the application process. If your child has a therapist or psychiatrist, work together to build a plan for maintaining care in college. And most importantly, keep communication open. This isn’t about pushing your child toward independence overnight. It’s about preparing them for it, step by step.
We’re Here to Help
That thought—how do I prepare for this?—has stayed with me since the day Emily was born. Raising a child with special needs means you’re always planning in layers; for today’s routines and tomorrow’s unknowns. College is part of that. It’s a chapter where our children can grow, stretch, and begin to carve out more independence, but only if the environment supports them fully.
There’s no one roadmap for getting this right but there are ways to make the process feel less overwhelming. With the right guidance, the right questions, and a lot of heart, families can chart a course that leads not just to a degree, but to confidence, connection, and real growth.
At Four Leaf Financial Planning, we help families plan for every phase of this journey. If you’re preparing for a college transition and want a partner who understands the nuances and the emotions involved, we’re here to walk with you. Learn more about our services or get in touch to start the conversation.
