Compass Program

Compass is a transformative 4-year inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It empowers students to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals through a supportive, person-centered approach. By focusing on their unique strengths, Compass nurtures leadership, independence, and self-advocacy through engaging coursework, active campus involvement, and comprehensive career exploration, equipping students with the skills they need for a fulfilling future.

Application and Program Requirements

  • Must qualify for the program through documented diagnosis of an intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD)
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have received services under IDEA (e.g., IEP or 504 plan)
  • Demonstrate self-determination and a desire to attend higher education with an expressed interest in a general course of study
  • Demonstrate independence in adaptive behavioral skills, safe navigation, and socially responsible behavior that could impact impact academic performance
  • Reside in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area with reliable transportation to campus
  • Complete and submit the admissions application, high school transcripts, reference letters, and resume; participate in an on-campus interview
  • Utilize Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) or Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) funding or waivers, Federal Financial Aid, or scholarships and other aid to cover tuition and program costs

Program Information

Compass is a transformative 4-year inclusive post-secondary education program tailored for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Degree

Certificate

Duration

4-years

Required Credit Hours

48 credits for certificate

You're invited - join us for our next Open House on Oct. 26!

The DUQ Days Open House provides an opportunity for you to discover all the ways you can excel at Duquesne and learn more about the community that will cheer you on along the way.

Program Costs and Financial Resources

Compass Program Tuition & Fees
  • $17,672.00 tuition for the 2024-2025 Academic Year (Fall/Spring)
  • $10,000.00 student fees for the 2024-2025 Academic Year (Fall/Spring)

At Duquesne, it's our responsibility and joy to help students discover what they are good at and accomplish their goals. We support this by doing our best to provide as much financial aid as possible to students who apply. 

Important Contact Info
Â鶹ֱ²¥ Financial Aid Office
email: faoffice@duq.edu
phone: (412) 396-6607

External Resources

Inclusive Education

Campus

If Compass can help our students with disabilities be more included, then I think it sets a precedent or a model for how the university could make sure that all students feel included

Dr. Meghan Blaskowitz Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy

Contact Us

For more information on the Compass Program, please reach out to Dr. Pustorino-Clevenger

Alia Pustorino-Clevenger, Ed.D

Director, Compass Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program

John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences