Frequently Asked Questions

We've answered your top questions.

1. Who is the Ideal Candidate?

Students in CharlestonLIFE™ are diverse - each with different abilities, learning styles, and educational backgrounds. An ideal candidate should:

  • have a mild intellectual and/or developmental disability and/or a disability that significantly interferes with their academic performance, social development, and independent living skills.
  • have been eligible for special education and/or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
  • be at least 18-years old and have exited a high school program.
  • have the ability to read, write and complete math at a functional level.
  • have no history of disruptive or challenging behaviors.
  • be independent in handling their specialized dietary and/or medical needs, including medication (CharlestonLIFE™ staff will not manage, supervise, or administer medication).
  • be able to remain unsupervised for a minimum of 6 hours.
  • be open to feedback.
  • have a family that is ready to let go.

2. What if I only need one part of the program?

Unfortunately, you are not eligible for our program. Students in CharlestonLIFE™ must need support in all areas: academics, social development, independent living and career development.   

3. How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Costs | Academic Year 2024-2025

Academic Tuition

  • $6,259 (Resident) per semester
  • $18,918 (Non-Resident) per semester

CharlestonLife™ Program Fee 

  • $14,800 annually 

Room & Board 

  • On-campus room ($4,860) and board ($5,000) = $9,860 annually

**These totals are estimates, and DO NOT include course fees, books and housing supplies.

4. Do I Have to Live on Campus?

Yes, freshmen and sophomores in CharlestonLIFE™ are required to live on-campus.  

Freshmen are required to live together in the program’s living/learning community with student assistants there to provide additional support.  

Sophomores are required to live on-campus with a roommate of their choosing who is not in the program. 

5. I HAVE NOT COMPLETED HIGH SCHOOL YET. CAN I STILL COME?

No. You must be at least 18-years old and exited high school.

We do not accept students for dual enrollment, but you may start the application process your final year of high school. 

6. Will I be assigned a buddy?

No. Students are not assigned buddies and do not participate in structured group outings with other students in CharlestonLIFE™. 

Freshmen are paired with social and fitness mentors (College of Charleston students who share similar interests) to help them become socially integrated into campus.  

After freshman year, mentors are assigned based on need, which may change as students develop independence and their own friendships.  

7. Will someone walk me around campus?

Program staff help students learn how to navigate the campus safely as soon as freshmen move in. Once this is mastered, students walk around campus independently.  

8. IS CHARLESTON LIFE™ THE RIGHT FIT FOR ME?

The best way to determine if the CharlestonLIFE™ is a good fit for you and your family is to attend one of our fall or spring open houses.   

Ultimately, this is a question that only you and your family can answer.  We encourage you to use thinkcollege.net to explore and consider other post-secondary programs across the country. 

9. What about guardianship?

Due to the self-determined nature of the CharlestonLIFE™, we do not accept anyone with full guardianship.

If full guardianship is established after a student is admitted, the student will be terminated from the program.