Why Accessibility and Affordability Matter in Online Education
Here, we’ll feature the best affordable online colleges that offer tutoring discounts for students with disabilities. Did you know that around 21% of undergraduates reported having a disability (NCES, 2019-2020)? By definition, students with disabilities have serious difficulty in:
- Hearing (i.e., deafness)
- Seeing (i.e., blindness)
- Walking
- Climbing stairs and inclines
- Concentrating and remembering
- Making decisions
- Learning
- Talking
- Dealing with people (e.g., autism)
These disabilities are due to a wide range of physical, mental, and behavioral conditions.
In general, online colleges provide students with disabilities with various accessibility features. These bring many benefits to students with disabilities, such as:
Featured Programs
- Boost their sense of self-esteem and self-confidence
- Improve their academic performance
- Increase their participation in social activities, including extracurriculars
- Prepare them for success beyond the classroom
In other words, accessibility features are an integral part of their success. The best accessibility features among online colleges include:
- Assistive technology
- Modified program of study based on individual learning needs
- Flexible learning options
- Positive learning environment
Students with disabilities also have challenges in meeting college costs. In many instances, theirs is a more difficult challenge. Medical costs can worsen their financial issues.
Indeed, affordability is a critical factor for students with disabilities and their families. This extends beyond tuition and fees, too, and into tutoring costs.
Did you know that the average hourly rate for college tutoring is $75-$100/hour? Even for students with the means to pay, it’s expensive. For this reason, tutoring discounts for students with disabilities are a lifesaver.
But discounted tutoring services don’t have to mean ineffective services. You must find tutoring services that address your unique needs. Tailored tutoring services can:
- Improve your understanding of the subject and its concepts
- Increase your confidence in your academic abilities
- Boost your academic performance and progress
- Improve your study skills
Students will appreciate the benefits of tailored tutoring. Read on for more useful information about the matter.
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What to Look for in an Online College for Students with Disabilities
Yes, accessible online education is possible. The trick is in knowing what features to look for in an online college. Here are the key accessibility features when considering online colleges.
Accessible Learning Platforms
The best learning management systems (LMS) provide accessibility features including:
- Screen reader compatibility
- Alternative media formats
- Adjustable font sizes and customizable colors
Specialized Tutoring Services
Look for specialized tutoring services with personalization options, too. Be warned as these can be a challenge to find but possible.
- Tutors must have the skills to address the unique needs of students with disabilities.
- Individualized learning plans are the norm.
- Tutors provide guidance on assistive technology to their students, too.
Flexible Scheduling
There are many ways that flexible scheduling is possible.
- Self-paced courses
- Asynchronous classes
- Multiple start dates for courses
- Extensions on deadlines
- Pause and repeat modules
You should also consider these other accessibility features.
- Dedicated office for students with disabilities
- Teachers and staff with the right training to support students with disabilities
- Effective support, including peer support and mentoring opportunities
Check for these aspects, too, because being able to afford college is a must.
- Compare tuition and fees between online colleges. Consider the indirect costs, too.
- Ask about the financial aid options, such as federal and state aid, scholarships, and grants.
- Look into disability-specific funding, such as SSDI and SSI.
- Consider disability-specific scholarships, too, such as the Graeme Clark Scholarship.
Affordability and accessibility are important considerations for every college student. Taking the time and making the effort to achieve both are a must.
Top Affordable Online Colleges with Tutoring Discounts for Students with Disabilities
Florida State University
Tuition: $6,517 (in-state); $21,683 (out-of-state)
Financial Aid Opportunities: Federal and state aid, scholarships and grants, work-study, and loans
FSU is among the best online colleges for students with disabilities because of its excellent tutoring services. These include peer, group, and study skills tutoring. There are also course-based, STEM, and math drop-in tutoring. The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) offers both in-person and online tutoring, too.
Accessibility features and services include:
- Dedicated Office of Accessibility Services
- Ally Resource Guide (i.e., produces alternative media formats)
- Scribe access
- Closed captioning
FSU is a nationally-ranked university that offers a wide range of online academic programs.
Florida Atlantic University
Tuition: $6,099 (in-state); $21,655 (out-of-state)
Financial Aid Opportunities: Federal and state aid (Florida Bright Futures), scholarships and grants, work-study, loans, and emergency student aid
FAU offers excellent opportunities for online learning with academic support for disabilities. Online accessibility features include:
- Read&Write access (i.e., a text-to-speech app for Windows and Mac)
- Note-taking assistance from peers
- Assistive Technology Resource Center access
- Accommodations, such as extended deadlines and exam time
- Small group and study skills tutoring services
Students can also go to Get Wise, FAU’s one-stop shop for after-hours academic resources and student support services.
Washington State University
Tuition: $13,391 (in-state); $29,950 (out-of-state)
Financial Aid Opportunities: Federal and state aid (Washington College Grant), scholarships and grants, work-study, and loans
WSU offers free peer-to-peer tutoring services for all students, including those with disabilities. There’s no limit to the number of times students can avail of tutoring. Online tutoring is also available in many subjects, such as engineering, business, and biology.
Wazzu is among the best disability-friendly online colleges for these features:
- Accessible workstations with screen reading software, among others
- Access to services in its Home Access Center, such as alternative testing and flexible attendance and deadlines
There is also an eWriting Lab, a Math Learning Center, and bilingual tutoring.
Purdue University
Tuition: $9,992 (in-state); $28,794 (out-of-state)
Financial Aid Opportunities: Federal and state aid, scholarships and grants, work-study, and loans
Purdue is among the best online colleges with tutoring services for disabilities, thanks to these features.
The Academic Success Center (ASC) offers a wide range of tutoring and other services like:
- One-on-one tutoring
- Drop-in live tutoring
- Study skills tutoring
- Video reviews
- Writing workshops
- Supplemental instruction services for students struggling with rigorous courses
- Peer success coaching
Purdue has dedicated offices that make college life easier for students with disabilities, too.
University of Arizona
Tuition: $13,277 (in-state); $38,784 (out-of-state)
Financial Aid Opportunities: Federal and state aid, scholarships and grants, work-study, and loans
Arizona offers generous financial aid for students with disabilities, too. Filing your FAFSA is the first step in availing financial aid including disability-specific aid. Contact the Disability Resource Center for guidance on specific grants and other funding opportunities, too.
Students with disabilities can also access tutoring services, including:
- Online tutoring in STEM, non-STEM, and language subjects at the Think Tank
- Group and one-on-one tutoring are available at the SALT Center, as well as a Math & Science Lab and a Reading & Writing Lab.
- Student-athletes can access academic services at C.A.T.S. Academics
Arizona also offers many online accessibility features and services. Assistive technology and exam accommodations are popular.
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Tuition: $18,848 (in-state); $63,081 (out-of-state)
Financial Aid Opportunities: Federal and state aid, scholarships and grants (Go Blue Guarantee), work-study, and loans
UMich Ann Arbor offers excellent tutoring services, including:
- Appointment-based tutoring for courses like chemistry, biology, and physics
- Drop-in tutoring for a wide range of subjects
- Free peer tutoring and supplemental instruction for engineering students
- Free math tutoring sessions
- Writing support
- Virtual tutoring
UMich also has dedicated Services for Students with Disabilities. Students must apply.
Wayne State University
Tuition: $16,159 (in-state); $34,650 (out-of-state)
Financial Aid Opportunities: Federal and state aid, scholarships and grants (Wayne State Guarantee and tuition pledge programs), work-study, and loans
WSU’s tutoring services include:
- Writing support via online and e-tutoring services
- Peer-to-peer tutoring services
- Course-specific tutoring, such as in chemistry and math
WSU also has its dedicated Student Disability Services. Alternative text formats and exam modifications are available. Students must submit a completed request form.
Auburn University
Tuition: $12,890 (in-state); $34,922 (out-of-state)
Financial Aid Opportunities: Federal and state aid, scholarships and grants, work-study, loans, veterans’ benefits
Auburn University offers low-cost online education for disabilities. Students with disabilities have access to its tutoring services, including:
- Study Partners, a free peer-to-peer, one-on-one tutoring program for undergraduates
- Academic coaching with a trained coach
- Supplemental instruction
- Writing services
- Math tutoring and resources
You will also find many colleges offering course-based tutoring services.
Accessibility features and services include:
- Large print and Braille texts
- Captioned videos
- SKILL Coaching
Colorado State University
Tuition: $13,373 (in-state); $34,751 (out-of-state)
Financial Aid Opportunities: Federal and state aid, scholarships and grants, work-study, and loans
CSU’s wide range of tutoring services are available via the following:
- The Institute for Learning and Teaching offers course-based support.
- The Calculus Center and Precalculus Center are both free resources for students.
- The Chemistry Learning Resource Center offers tutoring for chemistry courses.
- The Statistics Success Center provides tutoring for introductory-level statistics courses.
We must say that CSU is among the online colleges that offer extensive tutoring services. This applies to its disability services, too, through its Electronic Accessibility Resource Center.
Eastern Kentucky University
Tuition: $11,280 (in-state); $22,190 (out-of-state)
Financial Aid Opportunities: Federal and state aid, scholarships and grants, work-study, loans, military and veterans’ benefits
EKU’s tutoring services include the following:
- Free online tutoring for students taking summer classes
- Math and statistics one-on-one, online tutoring as well as practice tests
- Tutoring and mentoring services through the Student Success Center
- Skill-building workshops and free tutoring for STEM students
EKU’s Center for Student Accessibility offers students with disabilities tailored services, too. These include extended exam time, alternative test formats, and the use of assistive technology.
How Tutoring Discounts Support Academic Success for Students with Disabilities
Tutoring discounts boost academic performance among students with disabilities by:
Increasing access to specialized tutoring services
You have the opportunity to work with tutors who understand your unique learning needs. Being able to work with compassionate and competent tutors makes a difference.
Creating tailored learning plans
You and your tutor will work on specific areas where you’re struggling with the most. There’s less pressure to hurry up, too, since you can master concepts at your own pace. You and your tutor will also develop more effective learning strategies for yourself.
Promoting your sense of confidence and advocacy
Your sense of confidence will grow with every progress you’re experiencing. The more you’re confident in your abilities, the more you’re able to advocate for yourself.
Most importantly, tutoring discounts decrease the financial burden of college. Every dollar helps in getting your costs down.
Common tutoring services for students with disabilities include:
- Writing support
- Assistive technology guidance
- Study skills coaching
- Subject-specific tutoring, such as in math or reading
If you’re not yet into tutoring, you should consider it now. But not just any tutoring services – look for discounts, too.
Additional Resources for Disabled Online Students
Beyond tutoring discounts and financial aid, here are more useful resources for disabled online students.
Check out the disability-centric advocacy organizations, including:
- Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
- National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD)
- American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
Then, look for government programs like:
- Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services offered by the federal and state governments
- National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT)
Be sure to consider mentorship programs offered by your online college and local community, too. There are also technology grants for assistive technology, such as by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Accessible Online Education
In conclusion, tutoring free or affordable tutoring services are only one aspect of your college experience. You must also look into affordable tuition and accessible learning platforms. You want to get the best experience despite your disability.
So, take your time when choosing from among online colleges. Making the right choice in affordable and accessible education will set you on the right path.