VUnited Scholars Admissions
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Villanova seeks candidates with intellectual curiosity and a strong interest in pursuing careers and independent living, all while residing on campus with the Villanova community and learning in an inclusive Catholic environment. VUnited students are highly motivated, with diverse learning challenges and other special needs.
Applying to the VUnited Scholars program at Villanova is highly competitive with a very limited number of spots. We encourage all applicants to thoughtfully complete the application process and adhere to all requirements and deadlines.
To be accepted into the program, students:
- Have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability.
Intellectual disability is defined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act
is a student
(A) with a cognitive impairment, characterized by significant
limitations in -
(i) intellectual and cognitive functioning; and
(ii) adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and
practical adaptive skills; and
(B) who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a free appropriate
public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act [20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.].
- Typically hold a GED, Diploma or Certificate of Completion.
- Be at least 18 years old and no older than 24 years old before August 31st of the academic year.
- Be able to live in student housing with limited support.
- Have basic safety skills in unsupervised settings.
- Have support from family and a personal desire to gain necessary skills for self‐determination, independent living and employment.
- Be able to independently navigate the Villanova University campus.
- Manage unsupervised time independently.
- Navigate moderate social or executive functioning challenges independently.
- Recognize appropriate social and physical boundaries.
- Manage, basic health, medicine and hygiene needs independently.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
FALL 2026 DATES AND DEADLINES
Fall 2026 Cohort Application dates
August 2025 |
Application Opens |
December 15, 2025 |
Deadline to Apply with all Materials |
February |
Final Candidacy Day - Selected students will shadow a current VUnited Scholars student and have lunch. The Admissions Team will meet with parents/guardians while students are shadowing. |
March 6, 2026 |
Decisions Released |
April 10, 2026 |
Accepted Students' Day |
May 1, 2026 |
Deposit Due |
Occasionally space may become available over the Summer, please inquire cps.info@villanova.edu if the application is re-opened.
TUITION: 2026-2027: TBD
Housing & Meals: 2025-2026: ~$20,000*, 2026-27 TBD
Click here for applicable rates
The VUnited Scholars Program is a certificate program, not a degree granting program. However, Villanova University is an approved Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program. This designation affords students the opportunity to receive funding from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study Programs. Students complete a FAFSA to determine eligibility. VUnited Scholars is PA waiver-approved, and students can access OVR funding.
*Rates vary based on selected meal plan.