Program Details

The ultimate goal of this program is to prepare students for meaningful employment. Lipscomb has many community partners that provide a variety of internships and job training opportunities for IDEAL students. Students begin in their first semester with on-campus internships. These placements are sought once career goals are identified for each student. The goal is to scaffold necessary skills so the students are always learning and practicing skills that will benefit them in their future job placements. Students are placed in off-campus internships in their second year of the program based on their job interests and abilities. Students complete at least four work experiences to include on their résumés upon completion of the program as a result of these on-campus and off-campus internships.

Students audit two academic classes per semester based on their interests and career goals, such as art, theater, music, science, IT, nutrition, health, education, early childhood studies and/or Bible. The assistant director of academics works with university faculty to determine which classes match the interests and career goals of IDEAL students and to create an individual learning plan that identifies any necessary accommodations or modifications to the syllabi or course material.

Lipscomb’s campus is safe and secure, as well as small and easy to navigate. IDEAL students have access to all campus resources and services as well as on-campus clubs and organizations, including Greek Life. IDEAL students have the opportunity to live in a residence hall on Lipscomb's campus.

IDEAL students take classes in the areas of career skills, technology, banking, cooking, shopping, hygiene, social skills, self-awareness, safety and self-advocacy. Classes are taught by the program staff. IDEAL also partners several departments on campus to assist with these classes including counseling, nutrition, kinesiology, education and nursing.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to monitor their own progress, make choices about classes and leisure activities, and interact with faculty to meet their own needs. Students learn to create a résumé, look for jobs, use public transportation and manage their own time. The goal is that students will be as independent as possible when they leave the program.

Ultimately, IDEAL helps to bridge the gap between high school and adulthood for every student who participates in the program. Being more prepared for adulthood greatly enhances the IDEAL students' quality of life. Since a post-secondary experience is valuable on multiple levels for many young adults, Lipscomb strives to provide a program that will ensure that IDEAL students deeply value their college experience and everything gained from it.

Please see our Admission Process webpage for more information.

Yes, any student who is unable to attend college as a traditional student and has a documented intellectual disability may apply.

Fall 2025 tuition is $10,000 per semester, which includes academic coursework, support for internship opportunities, employment skills training, nutrition and exercise classes and on-campus social activities. Tuition is subject to an annual increase. 

• Room and board for residential students is additional. Based on 2024-2025, dorm pricing is about $4,260 - $4,537 per semester (not including housing fees).
• Meal plans are required for residential students and are optional for commuter students. Please refer to the Lipscomb Dining to see the list of Meal Plans and pricing.

Tennessee residents may seek the Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship provided by lottery funds (equivalent to the Hope Scholarship) if attending college within 16 months of high school. Students are also eligible for the Tennessee Promise but must complete the application by November 1st of their last year of high school or transition program. All students may qualify for federal Pell grants which are based on financial need, as IDEAL has been approved as a Comprehensive Transition Program with the Department of Education. Both scholarships require the student to submit the FAFSA. Additionally, TN Vocational Rehabilitation will provide tuition support for qualified students.

Each student will earn a certificate of completion and university transcript that includes the courses and internships completed.

Quarterly data will be taken on each student, as well as input gathered from professors and supervisors. End of semester meetings will be held in which students may invite parents to hear about their progress.

Up to twelve (12) students are accepted each year.

IDEAL students receive support from program staff, university faculty and staff, and fellow Lipscomb students serving as peer mentors.

Students are not required to attend Summer Academy prior to applying for the IDEAL Program but it is highly recommended. When students attend Summer Academy, it gives them a chance to learn more about our program and develop relationships with staff and incoming students. Students who attend Summer Academy also may be eligible for early admission