Inclusive Higher Education In Minnesota
Profiles of Prospective Students, Current Students, and College Graduates
Minnesota Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
The student spotlights are representative of Minnesota students with IDD across the state. By interpolating the Minnesota Department of Education Child Count Totals report as of December 1, 2024, it is possible to reasonably estimate the number of potential Minnesota college-age (ages 18-22) students with IDD. The estimated number of potential Minnesota college students with IDD data is displayed by the Minnesota Service Cooperatives . The nine regional service cooperatives are a delivery system for Minnesota school districts, governmental agencies, and nonprofits. They provide programs and services through unique and collaborative partnerships.
Minnesota College Options
Currently, there are three Minnesota colleges and universities, out of nearly 200, that offer enrollment to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These three Minnesota higher education institutions have an annual enrollment capacity of approximately 100 students with IDD and have the U.S. Department of Education Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary program (CTP) designation.
In 2025, three Minnesota colleges were awarded competitive grant funding and are in a planning phase to expand enrollment to include students with IDD. Lake Superior College and Normandale Community College are new initiatives at institutions that have not offered enrollment to students with IDD. Central Lakes College is expanding its offerings for inclusive higher education at its Brainerd and Staples campuses. While Central Lakes College already has the CTP designation, Lake Superior College and Normandale Community College intend to apply for and obtain the CTP designation.
The map shows the existing postsecondary education options as well as the inclusive higher education initiatives in a planning phase.
Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Landscape: Prospective College Students with IDD and Inclusive Higher Education Offerings
Source: Minnesota Department of Education Child Count Totals as of December 1, 2024 and the Minnesota Service Cooperatives.
These four-year, state and private, and two-year colleges aspire to offer access for students with IDD to their campus and academic and student life, allowing them to gain knowledge, learn skills, and earn a credential alongside their peers that will lead to meaningful careers. For colleges and universities with the CTP designation, enrolled students with IDD may apply for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, and federal work-study, but not loans.
Emails: build-program@bethel.edu
Bethel University is a Christian university in St. Paul that provides a two-year postsecondary program for individuals with intellectual disabilities called the BUILD program. This integrated college experience includes student housing and opportunities for academic, vocational, social, and spiritual development. Students earn a certificate in Applied Studies with a chosen career pathway in Arts and Communication, Business, or Human Services which is approved by the institute of higher education.
Email: patricia.sloan@clcmn.edu
The Occupational Skills Program at Central Lakes College (CLC) is a one-year, postsecondary vocational program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) that provides training for entry-level, competitive employment. The Occupational Skills Program is in Brainerd. Occupational Skills combines community-based vocational training with personal management classes on campus. Students earn an Occupational Skills Program diploma approved by the college.
Emails: nick.heisserer@clcmn.edu and mary.sam@clcmn.edu
In 2025, CLC was awarded an Inclusive Higher Education Grant and plans to enroll students with IDD at its Brainerd and Staples campuses. CLC's Student Runway for Academic Success is expected to welcome its first cohort of students with IDD to campus in Fall 2026. A webpage link to more information will be added when available.
Email: erin.thompson@lsc.edu
Located in Duluth, Lake Superior College (LSC) is a two-year public community and technical college. LSC is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and is a current Inclusive Higher Education grantee. LSC’s Program for Accessible College Education (PACE) is expected to welcome a small number of pilot students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during the spring semester of 2026 and the first official cohort of students with IDD in Fall 2026. Students will participate in four semesters (two years) with employment skills and experience, and earn a meaningful credential through the comprehensive transition and postsecondary program.
Located in Bloomington, Normandale Community College is a two-year public college in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. In 2025, Normandale was awarded an Inclusive Higher Education Grant and plans to enroll students with IDD. Initiative Plans and contact information are forthcoming.
Email: benjamin.larson@ridgewater.edu
The Occupational Skills Program (OSP) at Ridgewater College is a one-year, postsecondary vocational program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities that provides training for entry-level, competitive employment. Central Lakes College is located in Willmar. Occupational Skills combines community-based vocational training with personal management classes on campus. Students earn an OSP diploma approved by the institute of higher education.