Cutting-Edge Program

The Cutting-Edge Program at Edgewood College is a new, universal access approach to inclusion in college for adult learners with significant disabilities.

Program participants have either traditionally not been able to meet the standard admissions criteria for college, or require additional supports in order to be successful in a college environment. Edgewood College is the first four-year college in Wisconsin to offer such a program to adult learners who have significant disabilities.

The program has a set of core credit courses (a total of 5 credits each semester) that are required for students. In addition, Cutting-Edge students are encouraged to take 1 to 4 general education courses per semester. Tuition for the Cutting-Edge Program is $630 per course credit.

The process of inclusion is facilitated by the Director of the program, and by peer mentors who are paired with the Cutting-Edge students in academic and social situations.

To apply for the Cutting-Edge Program, please complete the Cutting-Edge Application.

Please do not complete the College’s undergraduate application.

To complete the application process, please:

• Complete the Cutting-Edge Application.
• Obtain the most recent school transcripts.
• Obtain one letter of reference, from someone who knows the prospective student well, but is not a family member.
• Complete a one-page essay on “Why I want to go to college.”

Please submit all materials to:

Edgewood College
Cutting-Edge Program
1000 Edgewood College Drive
Madison, WI 53711

Program candidates and their parents are interviewed by a selection committee. Candidate selection is not based on the student’s disability, but rather on the student’s level of motivation to attend college and their ability to serve as ambassadors of the Cutting-Edge program.

Candidates who are accepted into the Cutting-Edge program submit a $2,000 deposit, which is credited toward tuition.