Updated: 5/25
1501 DORS and Post-Secondary Education
Training in institutions of post-secondary education can make a significant difference for individuals with disabilities in achieving employment, independence and economic self-sufficiency. Post-secondary education includes community/junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, proprietary/private career schools and technical institutes, with online, on-site and hybrid programs. Policy and procedures in this section apply to:
Post-secondary education training programs taken for credit toward a degree or a certificate.
Non-credit programs taken to achieve a specific employment related credential and, in the case of developmental classes, to qualify for credit-based post-secondary education.
Note: The Workforce & Technology Center (WTC) also provides post-secondary career training programs and should be considered when exploring options. See
Section 1200.
Preference for in-state, public institutions – As a state agency with limited resources and a waiting list for services, DORS has a preference for provision of post-secondary education services in public institutions in Maryland. With justification and approval, consumers may be assisted with post-secondary education in private and/or out-of-state institutions.
Accreditation requirement – DORS supports only post-secondary education programs that are accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, industry-based or Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation (e.g., Microsoft),
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), or the Maryland Department of Labor
Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), and approved by DORS (see
RSM 3, Section 1007). An exception may be considered for short-term training related to a specific job offer and requires approval of the OFS or OBVS Director.
1502 Post-Secondary Education Terminology
1502.01 Educational Expenses
Educational expenses are costs related to post-secondary education which can be considered by DORS for funding. Determined on an individual basis consistent with DORS policy, they may include tuition and mandatory fees, books and supplies, room and board (on an exception basis only), the cost of commuting, and other related expenses. Educational expenses are enumerated on the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) form.
1502.02 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
This is the form required by the U.S. Department of Education, Student Financial Assistance Programs for students requesting financial aid from participating institutions. Eligible individuals requesting assistance from DORS to pay for post-secondary education are required to apply for financial aid (see
Section 1506.02) each year. For more information about the federal Student Financial Assistance Programs and the FAFSA, visit the
FAFSA website.
A dependent student is assumed to be financially supported by their parents, is usually under the age of 24, unmarried, without dependents, and not a veteran or currently serving in the U.S. military. Dependent students must include their parents' financial details when completing the FAFSA.
1502.03 Student Aid Report (SAR)
This is a report sent to the student verifying information from the FAFSA and indicating eligibility for certain grants and specifying the amount (the Expected Family Contribution) the student and family are required to contribute to higher education costs, according to the Higher Education Act, as amended.
1502.04 Grants and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships are financial support for educational programs provided by sources other than DORS which does not need to be repaid and which can be applied to the school the individual will be attending.
1502.05 Work-Study and Loans
Through the application for federal financial aid, students with demonstrated financial need may be offered the opportunity to work in exchange for money for college expenses. Likewise, students and their families may be offered low interest loans. While DORS does not require that individuals take out loans or work in work-study programs, students may choose to use these means to defray educational costs.
1502.06 Disability Support Services
Community colleges and four-year colleges and universities have supports available to assist students with disabilities, and may facilitate provision of on-campus reasonable accommodations based on relevant documentation provided by the student.
1502.07 Developmental Courses
Non-credit courses (usually below 100 level) which may be required by an institution in preparation for college level, credit courses.
1502.08 Placement Testing
Testing used primarily by community colleges to determine whether prospective students require developmental courses or are prepared to begin credit courses. Nationally available placement tests may assist DORS counselors in determining to what degree a consumer is academically prepared for college level study. WTC is approved to administer the
ACCUPLACER® test for DORS consumers.
The ACCUPLACER® System –
ACCUPLACER® is a comprehensive battery of tests designed to provide information about students’ English, reading, mathematics and computer skills. Tests within the
ACCUPLACER® system are delivered over the Internet and are used extensively by high schools, community colleges, four-year colleges, and technical schools around the world. The primary function of the
ACCUPLACER® assessments is to assist with determining if students are prepared for a college-level course or if they would benefit from a developmental course.
1503 Training Services in Institutions of Post-Secondary Education
DORS supports individuals in post-secondary education in many ways, depending on the approved employment goal, disability factors and DORS policy. DORS may only provide financial assistance for training in institutions of post-secondary education training/education if the training/education is required for achievement of the employment goal on an approved Individualized Plan for Employment.
Such assistance may include provision of:
Financial assistance for tuition, fees and books consistent with financial need.
Auxiliary aids for the individual’s use while in school (aside from in-class accommodations provided by the school), such as a note taker for use in completing assignments.
Funding of accommodations to enable participation in educationally-related, out-of-class activities (e.g., participation in a study group or professional organization meeting).
Guidance and counseling throughout the period of enrollment.
Disability-related services (e.g., psychotherapy, to ensure the student is able to focus on academics).
Assistance with maintenance and transportation costs.
Personal assistance services.
Post-secondary educational institutions have the responsibility to assure that all of their programs are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including provision of in-class reasonable accommodations and access to course content required by students with disabilities (see
Section 706.03).
1504 Training Service Requirements
DORS may provide financial assistance for training services in institutions of post-secondary education consistent with the following requirements.
1504.01 Evaluating the Resources and Capabilities of the Individual
Post-secondary training (two-year college degree or vocational certificate programs, four-year college/university, or career school on a credit or non-credit basis) must be consistent with the individual’s strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and interests.
Review of existing, relevant information, such as psychological evaluations, school records, college transcripts, SAT and/or ACT scores, and documentation of acceptance to a four-year college/university may contribute to decision making about post-secondary education.
When there are complex factors and/or insufficient existing relevant information, consideration may be given to formal assessments and/or referral to WTC for a college assessment, which may include placement testing.
1504.02 Trial Semesters
Trial Semester Supported by DORS – If review of school achievement, academic background and/or placement testing indicates the consumer may have difficulty succeeding in college level courses (e.g., if placement testing indicates a need for one or two semesters of developmental courses), consideration may be given to DORS financial support for a trial semester/grading period. The DORS counselor will work with the individual and the academic advisor of the institution to identify appropriate courses to be taken during the trial semester/grading period. DORS financial assistance for a subsequent semester/grading period will depend on the grades achieved (see
Section 1512).
Trial Semester at Consumer’s Expense – If review of school achievement, academic background and/or placement testing indicates post-secondary education is not a realistic goal for the individual (e.g., more than two semesters of developmental courses needed), the counselor shall provide vocational guidance and counseling to assist in exploring:
- Employment options that do not require post-secondary education.
Adult Basic Education resources in the community.
In the event the individual still wishes to pursue post-secondary education and demonstrate their ability to do so, the individual will be required to attend a trial semester/grading period at their own expense. The DORS counselor will work with the individual and the academic advisor of the institution to identify appropriate courses to be taken during the trial semester/grading period. DORS financial assistance for a subsequent semester/grading period will depend on the grades achieved (see
Section 1512).
1505 Role of the Counselor
Following are essential aspects of the DORS counselor’s role related to post-secondary education:
Provide career counseling to support the consumer’s informed choice about the employment goal, services and providers. Assist the individual in thoroughly exploring pros and cons of employment options for consideration (see
Section 602).
Determine if assistive technology (AT) is needed for the individual to have access to post-secondary education. While the post-secondary institution has the responsibility to provide in-class accommodations (see h(1) below), DORS may provide assistive technology needed by the individual outside of the classroom setting. AT that DORS may provide to an individual for access is not included on the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) form but is included on the IPE (see
Section 1510.01(f)).
If consultation is needed with WTC Rehabilitation Technology Services regarding AT for a student, be sure to contact WTC four months prior to the beginning of the semester.
Work cooperatively with the financial aid administrator, the coordinator of disability services, the individual student and, as appropriate, the individual’s family or authorized representative to determine the amount of DORS financial participation, assessing progress in the educational program and assessing progress toward the employment goal.
Be sure that supports are in place and are included on the IPE (e.g., continuation of therapy and/or medication) to address disability issues and assist the individual in maintaining stability so that he/she has the best chance for academic success.
Clarify disability-related needs that can be anticipated in the post-secondary education setting:
Discuss the role of the Disability Services Coordinator at the institution of post-secondary education. Be sure that the individual understands that it is the responsibility of the Disability Services Coordinator to arrange required in-class reasonable accommodations/access to course content at the school based on federal law and regulation and the policies and procedures of the institution. Also, the individual should be advised that "in-class" accommodations appropriate in a college/university setting might be different than those provided during high school. Encourage the individual to contact the Disability Services Coordinator. Complete the
Reasonable Accommodation Information Exchange (RS-5c) form as appropriate.
Anticipate needs for out-of-class accommodations (e.g., a reader to assist with studying) and discuss DORS’s responsibility to provide such supports and include them as appropriate in the IPE.
Advise the individual of the required procedures and responsibilities related to DORS support for post-secondary education. The
Post-Secondary Education Fact Sheet (RS-6d) shall be provided to augment discussion of this information. The AWARE™ College General Information letter should also be used when individuals request information about DORS support of participants in post-secondary education.
Determine DORS financial assistance according to relevant policy and procedures.
Meet with the individual prior to each semester to:
Review grades and the unofficial transcript to determine progress toward the agreed upon certificate/degree.
Discuss coursework and address any required prerequisites, remedial courses, repeated courses, withdrawals, and "incompletes," and assure that the student completes related requirements so as to not delay completion of the certificate/degree. Note: A degree audit, available through the school’s guidance office, is an effective tool that helps students and advisors track progress toward degree completion by analyzing completed coursework, identifying remaining requirements, and ensuring students are on track for graduation.
Discuss disability issues and facilitate provision of supports and reasonable accommodations needed and/or continuation of those which are in place.
Emphasize the employment outcome on the IPE.
Offer support and encourage self-advocacy.
Complete the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) form for the next semester to determine DORS funding and the individual’s contribution.
An AWARE™ College Checklist letter is available to assist in communicating with participants who are in post-secondary education programs.
With the student, annually review the IEP and financial participation requirements, considering all relevant factors, including whether or not:
The employment goal and approved major is are still viable and have not changed.
Time frames on the IPE are being met.
Disability-related supports are in place and adequate.
There is a need for an IPE Amendment.
Note: All Annual Reviews for Post-Secondary Education require supervisory review to be documented via an AWARE™ case note. (See
Section 604.12.)
1506 Notification of Responsibilities of the Individual
The counselor shall inform individuals of the following responsibilities and shall advise them that failure to fulfill these responsibilities will result in denial or discontinuation of DORS funding.
1506.01 Related Policies and Procedures
The counselor will advise the individual of the policies and procedures relevant to the financial participation by the individual and DORS in the cost of training and related services in institutions of post-secondary education.
1506.02 Requirements and Responsibilities of the Individual
The counselor shall inform the individual of the following requirements and responsibilities, which are included on the
Post-Secondary Education Fact Sheet (RS-6d) and are addressed in the AWARE™ College General Information letter:
Apply annually for financial assistance through the institution of post-secondary education within established time frames in order to be considered for financial assistance from DORS. (DORS financial assistance for an individual who has not met required deadlines for applying for financial aid requires supervisory approval.)
When arranging to begin a program at an institution of post-secondary education, provide the counselor with a letter of acceptance and proposed course of study at least 60 days prior to the beginning of the semester/grading period so that there is sufficient time to plan and determine whether and to what extent DORS can provide financial assistance. While DORS staff will make every effort to assist individuals who request services less than 60 days prior to the beginning of the semester/grading period, DORS financial assistance may be delayed until the next semester/grading period for last-minute requests. Individuals who require assistive technology must contact the counselor at least 120 days or four months prior to the beginning of the semester/grading period so that there is sufficient time to acquire needed assistive technology.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate program as stipulated in
Section 1512 and remain in "good standing" with the institution of post-secondary education. To confirm and document progress, provide the rehabilitation counselor a copy of the grade report or transcript. A degree audit may be requested to confirm progress toward declared major upon the completion of each semester/grading period.
Provide the DORS counselor with authorization, by signing the
Financial Aid Information Exchange (RS-5a) form, to exchange information with the financial aid administrator related to enrollment status, completion of the annual FAFSA, credits to be taken, grants and scholarships, and whether a tuition waiver applies.
Apply any financial assistance (other than loans) received toward training and related expenses.
Participate in the cost of training and related services in institutions of post-secondary education, when educational expenses exceed financial assistance received from DORS (University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) in-state rates) and other sources.
Prior to each semester/grading period, discuss the proposed course of study and its relationship to the employment goal, and progress toward the certificate/degree with the DORS counselor.
Discuss with the DORS counselor any requested change in major or course of study, considering the impact on the employment goal, any required extension in the academic program and whether the IPE would need to be amended.
1507 Special Circumstances: Post-Secondary Education
1507.01 Graduate School
Inclusion of graduate school on the IPE may be considered if the degree is needed for career advancement or if a graduate degree is the standard for entry into the field consistent with the employment goal.
Financial assistance for graduate-level programs requires Administrative Approval from the Office of Field Services (OFS) Director or Office for Blindness & Vision Services (OBVS) Director, as applicable, prior to drafting an IPE including an employment goal that requires graduate credentials. When graduate school is approved, the policies and procedures in this section apply.
1507.02 Previous Degree
DORS support for a post-secondary degree is provided only for individuals who have not already earned a degree.
This does not apply to IPEs including a bachelor's degree when the individual achieves an associate’s degree as a step toward the bachelor's degree.
In exceptional circumstances when the disability precludes achievement of an employment outcome with current credentials, consideration may be given to DORS financial assistance for another degree. Administrative Approval is required for an additional degree beyond the first bachelors.
Selected courses provided to update skills and improve employment opportunities may be provided on an individual basis with the approval of the counselor. Higher-level approval depends on other approval requirements (see
RSM 3, Section 1005).
1507.03 Full-time/Part-time Attendance
The individual is expected to attend on a full-time basis (12 credits or more per semester) so that employment is achieved in a timely manner. Part-time attendance (less than 12 credits per semester) related to disability factors, employment, or other compelling reasons will be considered. Typically, Associate degree programs must be completed within three years, while Bachelor’s degree programs are generally required to be completed within six years.
1507.04 Developmental Courses and Core Program Requirements
Developmental courses must be completed as soon as possible and within trial semesters (see
Section 1504.02).
DORS support for more than one trial semester/grading period of developmental/remedial courses requires Administrative Approval
Core requirements shall be completed as soon as possible within the planned course of study.
1507.05 Funding for Disability Support Programs
Some post-secondary education institutions offer, for an additional fee, programs which provide vocational/educations support to students with certain disabilities while they are enrolled in full-time, credit courses. These programs are over and above the usual services provided by Disability Support Services staff described in
Section 1502.06.
Consideration may be given on an individual basis to providing financial assistance for up to two semesters. These programs are included on the IPE, but not on the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) form (see
Section 1509.02). Administrative Approval from the Regional Director is required.
1507.06 Non-Degree Courses
Selected courses that are not part of degree programs may be authorized when such courses are part of an assessment to determine rehabilitation needs or identified on the IPE and necessary for the attainment of the employment goal.
1507.07 Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)
Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTPs) are federally recognized inclusive post-secondary education programs specifically designed for students with intellectual disabilities.
DORS may provide financial assistance to support students or adults attending a CTP while receiving VR services, if it is found to be a necessary service in support of the individual's employment goal. DORS financial assistance will be considered on an exceptional basis if the post-secondary education program is awaiting federal review in order to become a CTP. Administrative Approval at the regional level is required.
1507.08 Summer School/Mini-Mesters
DORS financial assistance for summer school and/or "mini-mesters" shall be provided only when the courses to be taken:
- Are not available during the fall or spring semesters or other standard grading period, and/or
- Will enable the individual to graduate earlier, or
- Are part of a year-round school program schedule, requiring summer coursework to complete the program within two or four years, as applicable.
Administrative Approval from the Regional Director or Designee required for summer or "mini-mester" courses.
1507.09 Training Outside the United States
It is expected practice that training be provided at institutions located within the United States. Exceptions may be considered if all of the following conditions are met:
- Consumer is enrolled in a program located in the United States, which requires study abroad to satisfy degree requirements for graduation.
- The study abroad does not lengthen the total program.
- Individuals maintain full-time student status while studying abroad.
- Individuals are in good academic standing.
- Successful achievement of the vocational goal is contingent on participation in the study abroad as a part of the approved curriculum.
If all five conditions are met, DORS may provide financial assistance only up to the amount normally authorized for the university attending in the United States, excluding transportation costs.
Economic need and comparable benefits must be applied. Consideration of any training outside of the United States requires Administrative Approval by the DORS Director or designee. Tuition for such programs will be paid at the
University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) in-state rates. An exception to provide funding for tuition and fees in excess of the UMCP in-state rates requires approval of the DORS Director or designee. Transportation assistance will not be provided for individuals participating in training outside the United States. Room and Board assistance may not be paid to entities outside of the United States.
1507.10 Tutoring
Tutoring may be provided to an individual enrolled in post-secondary education consistent with
Section 715.05. DORS will not fund tutoring as general academic support so that an individual can maintain an above average grade point average.
1507.11 Delay of Graduation/Completion
A number of factors may contribute to a delay in graduation from the time frame established on the IPE. These include illness, change of major, withdrawal from classes, unavailability of courses and other factors. The DORS counselor and student will be able to minimize delays in completion of the program by carefully reviewing the course requirements and the individual’s progress each semester, revisiting the employment goal, and assuring that disability supports are in place (see
Section 1505).
1508 Requirement to Apply for Financial Assistance
According to federal VR regulations, training and related services in institutions of post-secondary education (including universities, colleges, community/junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and proprietary/private career schools) for eligible individuals under an IPE will be purchased only after the individual has completed the application process for financial aid through the institution’s financial aid office and has applied for other grants and scholarships for which the individual might qualify. Application for financial assistance from other sources, including grants and scholarships, must be made annually.
The institution’s financial aid officer will confirm on the
Financial Aid Information Exchange (RS-5a) whether or not the consumer has completed the FAFSA. See
Section 1513 for further guidance regarding exceptions to this requirement.
Students and families may choose to take out educational loans or participate in work-study programs to help defray educational costs.
Individuals are not required to complete the financial aid application process through the institution’s financial aid office if:
The individual is seeking admittance to an institution not participating in the federal student financial aid process (this requires supervisory approval); or
The individual is enrolling for non-degree courses (i.e., selected courses that are not part of a degree program) (see
Section 1507.06).
1508.01 Tuition Waiver
Maryland law provides for tuition waivers at community colleges for individuals who qualify. The DORS counselor shall ensure consumers explore available tuition waivers prior to determining DORS financial assistance.
1508.02 Application Procedure for Financial Assistance
All individuals seeking DORS financial assistance for higher education are required to apply for financial aid. See
Post-Secondary Education Fact Sheet (RS-6d) for consumer procedures and responsibilities.
1509 Determination of DORS Funding
1509.01 Educational Expenses
DORS funding for Educational Expenses may be provided based on the specific costs of the following, as stated on the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) form:
- Tuition and mandatory fees
- Required books and supplies – DORS may fund up to $1,000 per semester for required books and supplies for full-time attendance; up to $500 for part-time attendance.
- Commuting costs:
- Include commuting expenses to and from the institution for individuals living at home, consistent with
Section 717.04. The amount of funding will be determined with the individual with consideration given to actual expenses anticipated using the most cost-effective means of transportation consistent with the individual's needs and level of independence.
- Commuting costs are not included for individuals receiving on- or off-campus Room and Board.
On-campus Room and Board:
DORS provides financial support toward an individual’s on-campus Room and Board only on an exception basis and only if the individual lives 45 or more miles from the nearest public institution (community college; four-year college) where programs related to the individual's employment goal are available to the individual. DORS support may not exceed
University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) in-state rates, or actual costs, whichever is lower.
The 45-mile policy may be waived by the DORS Director or designee based on disability-related factors or cost-efficiency.
Off-campus Room and Board:
DORS may provide funding for off-campus Room and Board when the individual has been granted an exception for inclusion of Room and Board as an educational expense on the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) form by the DORS Director or designees.
Payments for off-campus Room and Board shall be based on the cost of on-campus Room and Board at the public in-state institution attended, or at the UMCP rate if the individual is attending a private or out-of-state institution, or the actual costs, whichever is lower.
- Other approved expenses – Administrative Approval at the regional level is required.
1509.02 Educationally-Related Support Services Not Included as "Educational Expenses"
Other services – Refer to
Section 700 for other rehabilitation services that may be needed to support the individual while attending postsecondary education. These services are not considered to be Educational Expenses. Administrative Approval required.
In-class reasonable accommodations – Institutions of post-secondary education are responsible for provision of in-class reasonable accommodations/ access to course content. DORS will consider providing funding for educationally-related, in-class reasonable accommodations only:
If the institution makes it a matter of public record that provision of reasonable accommodations would be an "undue administrative or financial burden."
With the approval of the regional/program director or designee (see
RSM 3, Section 1005).
Every effort shall be made to assure timely provision of required reasonable accommodations so as to avoid a delay in the consumer’s individual training program.
Educationally-related support services which are needed by the individual shall be included on the IPE but not on the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) form. This applies to personal assistance services, disability-related auxiliary aids/AT (e.g., computer hardware or software required because of the disability), reader or interpreter services required for out-of-class activities, and provision of required text books and class materials needed in alternate formats, particularly for students with blindness/vision impairment who require Braille or electronic versions of text books and other materials.
Personal Assistance Services – DORS may assist with costs related to personal assistance services for individuals with significant disabilities who are attending post-secondary education programs, consistent with the following requirements, regardless of whether the individual lives on- or off-campus. The consumer must:
Apply for funding through the State’s Personal Assistance/Attendant Care programs as possible comparable benefits.
With the DORS counselor, complete the
Personal Assistance Services (PAS) Screening Tool.
Participate in PAS/Attendant Care assessment by a WTC Occupational Therapist.
Textbooks in Alternate Format as an Accommodation – DORS counselors may order required text books well in advance of the semester for students (i.e., before semester grades may be available) as long as the student’s schedule of classes for the upcoming semester is confirmed by the college/university and required textbooks have been designated. DORS may provide funding for textbooks in alternate format in addition to the allowance for textbooks.
Fee-for-Service Disability Support Services – Some post-secondary education institutions offer, for an additional fee, programs which provide comprehensive disability support serices to students with certain disabilities while they are enrolled in credit courses. These services are over and above the usual services provided by Disability Support Services staff described in
Section 1507.05. These individualized services, which enable access to post-secondary education for some individuals with disabilities, are included on the IPE, but not on the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) (see
Section 1509.02). DORS funding may be provided on an individual basis; requires annual Regional Director Administrative Approval.
Provision of Non-Adapted Computers for Post-Secondary Education – Non-adapted computers may be purchased for students in post-secondary education consistent with
Section 708. Such purchases are included on the IPE but not the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) form.
The DORS counselor shall explore comparable services and resources (see
RSM 3, Section 1301), such as those technology programs available through colleges and universities (i.e., Connected Gallaudet) which provide devices which may include iPads, laptops, and associated accessories and software. Purchase of computers and software for college will be provided at the lowest possible cost with a DORS maximum of $800.
1509.03 Financial Participation of the Individual
The individual, or if appropriate the individual’s family, will pay for all post-secondary education expenses not funded by DORS or grants and scholarships, as specified on the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) which is completed and signed by the consumer and counselor each semester. A copy of the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) will be given to the consumer each semester.
The consumer’s IPE will include detailed information regarding estimated funding and the responsibilities of the consumer and DORS.
1509.04 DORS Funding for Post-Secondary Education
DORS funding for certificate programs or associate of arts (AA) programs shall be at the rate of the community college attended, as applicable (see
Attachment 1500-1 for tuition and fees for all Maryland Community Colleges). Exceptions to pay in excess of the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at Montgomery College are subject to Administrative Approval.
DORS funding for four-year colleges shall be at the rate of the in-state public college/university attended, see
Attachment 1500-1 for tuition and fees for all Maryland four-year public colleges and universities. Differential Tuition rates may apply.
Funding for private or out-of-state post-secondary institutions may not exceed the
University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) in-state rates. An exception to provide funding for tuition and fees in excess of the UMCP in-state rates for private or out-of-state institutions requires approval of the DORS Director or designee.
The amount of DORS financial assistance to be provided to the individual shall be calculated using the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) form along with the
Financial Aid Information Exchange (RS-5a). The DORS counselor will complete this determination each semester/grading period.
Annual participant financial contribution may be applied from DORS funding for post-secondary education.
1510 Attendance at Private or Out-of-State Colleges and Universities
Students who prefer to attend private or out-of-state institutions of post-secondary education are responsible for the extra costs of attendance, including but not limited to transportation costs over and above what DORS would provide if the individual were to attend a local college/university.
DORS may provide financial assistance, as follows:
Up to the
in-state rate of the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) for tuition and fees for a private or out-of-state institution attended by the individual. An exception to provide DORS funding in excess of the
UMCP in-state rates requires approval of the DORS Director or designee. If out-of-state rates are approved by the DORS Director or designess, consideration may be given to transportation assistance (see
Section 717.04.
DORS support for room and board at a private or out-of-state institution shall not exceed
University of Maryland, College Park in-state rates. An exception to provide DORS funding for Room and Board in excess of the UMCP in-state rates requires prior approval of the DORS Director or designee.
1511 DORS Funding for Proprietary/Private Career Schools
The policies and procedures in this section apply to individuals attending proprietary schools and private career schools. DORS supports attendance at Proprietary/Private Career Schools when the course of study is not available at a public institution (community college) or when scheduling of classes makes it more efficient and timely for the student to attend the private career school. DORS supports attendance only at Proprietary/Private Career Schools included on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), or approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) or a similar commission of another state. Exceptions require approval of the OFS or OBVS Director.
The Counselor shall complete the
Proprietary School Documentation/Justification (RS-6t) form after providing guidance and counseling to explore training options and funding (see
Section 1505).
The rate paid by DORS for training services in vocational and proprietary schools will not exceed the provider’s customary charge.
Consideration of proprietary/private career school with total costs exceeding $2,500 requires consultation with OFS Technical Assistance or OBVS Director or designee who will determine the amount DORS will pay, based on current
Montgomery College rates and availability of similar programs.
1512 Continuation, Discontinuation and Resumption of DORS Funding
1512.01 Requirements for Continuation of DORS Funding
To be considered for the continuation of funding by DORS at an institution of post-secondary education, an individual shall:
Earn credit on a minimum of 75% of all credits for which the individual registered each semester/grading period.
Maintain a minimum average grade of "C" or its equivalent on all credits completed each semester/grading period.
Meet the requirements and responsibilities identified in
Section 1506.
Failure to meet the above criteria will result in the discontinuation of DORS funding.
1512.02 Discontinuation of DORS Funding
DORS financial support of post-secondary education will be discontinued if the individual fails to meet the criteria outlined in
Section 1512.01 above.
1512.03 Resumption of DORS Funding
Individuals requesting DORS funding of post-secondary education following discontinuation of such funding must meet the requirements stated in
Section 1512.01 for a minimum of six credits or the equivalent at an institution of higher education at their own expense before being reconsidered for financial assistance for post-secondary education by DORS. The six credits should include any courses that need to be repeated due to failure. The counselor and individual shall reassess the feasibility of the employment goal on the IPE, assure that sufficient disability-related supports are in place, and amend the IPE if needed.
1513 Ineligibility for Federal Student Aid (Default; Drug Convictions; Certain Non-Citizens)
Individuals may be ineligible for Federal student financial aid if they have previously defaulted on a student loan or if they have certain criminal drug convictions on their record.
1513.01 Defaulting on Student Loans
An individual requesting DORS financial assistance for post-secondary expenses who has defaulted on a student loan or loans and has therefore become ineligible to receive financial aid through the institution will be required to pursue deferment of the defaulted loan or loans through appropriate channels. In such situations the counselor will explore the individual’s default status, particularly its relationship to the disability, and will consider efforts the individual has made to resolve the default, the effect of default on release of previously earned credits, and resources which the individual may have to apply to repayment of the loan or loans. DORS will not repay a defaulted loan.
If the individual is able to resolve the default and regains eligibility for financial aid, the policies and procedures in this section apply.
If the individual is unable to resolve the default status, DORS financial support will be considered only when the individual has demonstrated good cause for failure to repay the loan(s) and has made good faith efforts to defer repayment or otherwise resolve the issue.
1513.02 Drug Convictions
Drug convictions may result in ineligibility for Federal student aid, depending on the time of the occurrence and severity of the conviction. The counselor shall assure that the individual is involved with appropriate treatment and/or recovery activities, which shall be included on the IPE.
1513.03 Certain Non-Citizens
Some non-citizens may be eligible for federal student aid, and some may not, depending on the specific circumstances and the form of documentation the individual has. All non-citizens should complete the FAFSA; even if the individual does not qualify for federal student aid, they may qualify for state or institution based aid. In the event the non-citizen is not eligible for aid, Administrative Approval will be required for DORS to provide funding for post-secondary education as indicated in
Section 1513.04.
1513.04 Approval of Payment for Post-Secondary Education for Individuals Ineligible for Federal Student Aid
DORS payment for higher education expenses for an individual ineligible for Federal student aid because of default or drug convictions requires the approval of the regional/program director. In such situations, the procedures in this section apply and the individual must apply for financial aid via the FAFSA each year.
1514 Required Approvals
If higher-level approval is needed, pertinent information and supporting documentation shall be forwarded through supervisory channels.
1514.01 Supervisory Approval
Supervisory approval is required for:
All proposed IPEs and all Annual Reviews that include post-secondary training programs.
Exception to discontinuation of DORS financial assistance because of disability issues.
1514.02 Administrative Approval
Administrative Approval (regional/program director or designee) is required as stated in
RSM 3, Section 1005. Specific approval requirements related to post-secondary education include:
Students ineligible for Federal student aid because of default status, drug convictions or certain non-citizens.
Attendance at a school not participating in the federal Student Financial Assistance Program.
Developmental or compensatory classes for a second and subsequent semester.
Post-secondary degree or certificate for individuals already possessing a degree or certificate.
"Other" costs included as "Educational Expenses" on the
Determination of DORS Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education (RS-5b) form.
Funding of comprehensive Disability and/or Vocational/Educational Support Programs, per
Section 1509.02.
Attendance at a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) (see
Section 1507.07.
On-campus and off-campus Room and Board.(Requires approval of the OFS/OVBS Director or designee).
1515.03 Central Office Approval
Approval by the OFS or OBVS Director or designee is required for:
Graduate school.
Short-term training not accredited by MHEC or a comparable agency in another state.
Inclusion of room and board as an educational expense requires prior approval of the DORS Office of Field Service or Office for Blindness & Vision Services Director or designee.
1514.04 DORS Director Approval
Approval by the DORS Director or designee is required for payment of rates for post-secondary education expenses for private or out-of-state institutions that exceed
University of Maryland, College Park in-state rates.
