Supporting Students with Learning Differences: What to Know About the College Transition

When we talk about learning differences, we’re referring to the many diverse ways and paces at which students absorb, process, and apply information. No two students learn the same way—and that’s not only okay, it’s essential to recognize and support.

For students with learning differences, the transition from high school to college often marks a major shift—not just in academics, but in how support is accessed and delivered. Understanding these changes can help students and families prepare, adjust, and succeed.

High School vs. College: What Changes?

In public high schools, support for students with learning differences is typically built into the system:

  • Students may have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.
  • Teachers are notified of accommodations automatically.
  • Parents or guardians are often involved in meetings and decisions.
  • There’s usually a designated team (special ed staff, counselors) monitoring progress and compliance.
  • The goal is to help students succeed academically, even if that means adjusting what “success” looks like. Standards may be modified to accommodate student performance.
  • Students must be educated in the least restrictive environment. Support from therapists and specialists are common and free.

In college, the landscape is very different:

  • There are no IEPs or 504 Plans as they exist in high school—students must register with the school’s disability services office to receive accommodations.
  • Students must initiate the process themselves—including submitting documentation and requesting specific accommodations.
  • Professors are not automatically informed—students usually need to communicate their needs directly.
  • Parents are no longer part of the process due to privacy laws like FERPA.
  • The goal in college is to give students the opportunity to achieve similar results as their peers, but it does not guarantee success or even earn the minimum GPA.
  • Colleges are not required to modify coursework or offer specialized classes. Students may have to pay out of pocket for additional support.

Support Levels: Which Is Right for You?

For students with disabilities, choosing a college isn’t just about academics — it’s also about finding the right support. Colleges offer varying levels of disability services, typically grouped into four categories:

Level 1: Basic Accommodations

Includes extended test time, note-takers, and permission to record lectures. These are the minimum supports required by law and are usually student-initiated.
Examples: UCI, UNC Chapel Hill

Level 2: Enhanced Supports

Adds proactive help like weekly meetings with specialists, time-management workshops, assistive tech, peer mentoring, and transition programs.
Examples: Carleton College, SMU, University of Washington

Level 3: Fee-Based Programs

Offer structured, paid support including regular sessions with learning specialists, career coaching, and on-demand help. These often require an application.
Examples: Drexel, University of Arizona, American, UCONN

Level 4: Colleges for Students with Disabilities

These colleges are fully designed around supporting students with disabilities — academically, physically, and socially.
Examples: Beacon College, Landmark College

Why Self-Advocacy Matters

One of the most critical skills students can bring to college is self-advocacy. This means:

  • Knowing their strengths and challenges.
  • Understanding what accommodations or strategies help them succeed.
  • Feeling confident in speaking up, asking questions, and seeking resources.

Final Thoughts: Start the Conversation Early

If learning support is important, families should reach out to Disability Services offices early in the college search. Each school offers different types and levels of support—there is no one-size-fits-all model.

Whether or not a student chooses to disclose a learning difference or request accommodations is deeply personal. Our guidance always depends on the student’s unique needs and their comfort with self-advocacy.

If support services are essential to a student’s academic success, they should be considered a key part of the college list—just like cost, campus culture, or academics.

Recommended Resources for Families and Students