College Choice Among Students with Disabilities: Decision-Making Experiences

Abstract

College decision-making among students without disabilities has been well-documented, highlighting factors that influence student decisions to attend college, which college they select, types of support networks, and their pathways to degree completion. Yet, despite increased college enrollment among students with disabilities (SWD) in the United States, little is known about the factors that influence the decision to attend college and the decision-making process overall among SWD. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to understand factors that influenced college decision-making among this population. Through interviews and a focus group, participants described engaging in cost-benefit decision-making, uncertainty about financial aid and other loan policies, the influence of family and community, and personal disability considerations in college choice. Participants also provided recommendations for future students navigating college decision-making and for universities providing information to SWD and their families throughout the process. Implications for policy and practice, future research, and limitations are reported.