PACE Admissions

Applicants for the PACE program must: 

• Have a documented diagnosis of Intellectual Disability (ID)
• Be 17 to 25 years in age
• Have exited or graduated high school by the time of enrollment

Additionally, students must be able to communicate reliably with others, operate a cell phone, exhibit appropriate behavior on campus, manage their own medical needs, and navigate the campus safely.

We prioritize applicants who have demonstrated an interest in learning new skills, being an involved member of the campus community, and obtaining competitive employment after graduation. 

The PACE Application process consists of the following steps:

1. Submit the PACE Inquiry Form.
2. Participate in a virtual informational session with members of the PACE team.
3. Tour SJU’s campus.
4. Submit the PACE Application and upload documentation of an Intellectual Disability (ID).
   Note: We do not charge an application fee for PACE.
5. Participate in a PACE Experience Visit.
   • Observe an SJU class.
   • Conduct separate parent and student interviews with members of the PACE team.

Important Dates:

Applications to the PACE program are reviewed and accepted as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply early because spaces are limited for each academic year. PACE will accept applications on a rolling admission basis, after the regular decision deadline, if space allows; it is not guaranteed each year.

The PACE program admits students for cohorts starting in the fall semester of their freshman year; at this time, the program does not accept applications for entrance during the spring semester or transfer admission for upperclassmen students.

Our application process is thorough to ensure that accepted students are a good fit for the program and have the potential to be successful. Due to the extensive nature of the process, we cannot accept applications submitted after the rolling admission deadline of April 1. 

SJU students enrolled through PACE will pay the standard part-time (per-credit) undergraduate tuition rate; students are also responsible for relevant undergraduate fees (e.g. lab fee, orientation fee, student activity fee, etc.), depending on their enrolled courses and class year. Students should expect to audit 9-11 credits per semester, over the course of the four-year program. Students and families can review the University tuition and fee schedule to estimate costs for the academic year. Students are responsible for the cost of course materials and books. Students will also be charged a PACE program fee of $4,000 per semester to cover program-related supports, such as wages for peer coaches.

Additional (optional) costs include residential fees for students who choose to live in a campus residence hall; freshmen residential students are required to purchase a University dining plan. Commuter students may also enroll in a University dining plan if they plan to eat on campus; there are all-you-can-eat swipe plans or Hawk Cash can be added to a student ID.

All students are encouraged to apply for private scholarships for students with disabilities (e.g. Ruby’s Rainbow, John Lepping Memorial Scholarship, etc.). SJU’s PACE program is a part of the D.R.E.A.M Partnership network, so students may apply for the D.R.E.A.M. Scholarship in the spring. Additional resources regarding funding options for college can be found on Think College’s website. 

The PACE program is an approved CTP (Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program). Therefore, students enrolled through PACE (who maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress) may apply for federal financial aid (i.e. Federal PELL Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study). Students should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov, listing Saint Joseph's University (school code 00336700), to determine if they are eligible for federal aid. 

Additionally, students are encouraged to register with Pennsylvania's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation as soon as possible. Once connected with OVR, students may speak with their case manager to inquire if they are eligible for funding to attend the PACE program. Out-of-state students are encouraged to reach out to the Rehabilitation Office in their home state to register and inquire if funding is available for attending postsecondary education.

Lastly, Saint Joseph's University is an approved vendor for Pennsylvania's Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and is authorized to provide Educational Support Services. Therefore, students are encouraged to speak with their county case managers to determine if they are eligible to use Medicaid waiver funds to fund tuition, enrollment fees, and peer mentor support.