Support Receipt: Effect on Postsecondary Success of Students With Learning Disabilities

Abstract

In contrast to the increase in college enrollment rates of youth with learning disabilities (LD), graduation rates have remained stagnant and low. Using propensity methods, this study examined the effect of disability-specific and universally available support receipt on the college perseverance and completion of students with LD. Based on secondary analysis of National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS2), findings indicate that students who received supports—those available to the full student body and/or disability-specific supports—were more likely to persist in, and successfully complete, 2-year or 4-year college. Implications include that transition staff need to ensure students not only are prepared to seek disability supports once on campus, but that equal emphasis should be placed on helping students access supports available to the full student body.