Academic Catalog 2026-2027

Admissions Procedures & Requirements

For the most recent information regarding admission procedures and program requirements, please see the BUILD Program admissions webpage, https://www.bethel.edu/undergrad/admissions/apply/build/

First-Year Students Applying to the BUILD Program

  • Submit your online application

    • Each year applications are accepted from August 1 through December 15 for those wanting to join the cohort starting the following calendar year (e.g. applying fall 2026 to start in the fall of 2027).

  • ​Submit your Transcript/IEP/Evaluation Request Form (pdf) and supporting documents

    • If you have the most recent IEP and Evaluation Report, these can be uploaded to your application or emailed to build-program@bethel.edu. Transcripts must be submitted through a secure online portal or in a sealed envelope to the BUILD Program or Office of Admissions.

    • Your application will not be complete and cannot be reviewed until all all admissions materials have been received.

  • Admissions Process

    • Admissions interviews, if selected, are held throughout the month of January for those who have completed an application and appear to fit program criteria
    • Admissions decisions are mailed within one month of completing an interview

    • Note: Due to the nature of the BUILD program, all students start in the fall.

    • Individual admission decisions are the result of a complex process that takes into account a multitude of factors. Our process includes careful review of the information listed on the application, school records including the most recent evaluation report, individual education plan, and other application materials. All available information is considered and analyzed by our admissions committee for the BUILD program. The goal of admissions decisions is to determine whether or not the student will likely succeed and thrive at Bethel based on required criteria for the BUILD Program.

Program Requirements

  • Meet the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) definition of Intellectual Disability (ID)
  • Are 18-25 years old when starting the program
  • Have completed high school with a diploma or equivalent
  • Complete a comprehensive application process including an independent assessment and interviews
  • Demonstrate interest and motivation in attending the program
  • Can function with support in a college setting
  • Can articulate and demonstrate faith in God
  • Are able to safely get around campus during class transitions, mealtimes, and other extracurricular activities
  • Have practical reading and math skills
  • Have family support and desire to gain skills for employment and independent living

As part of the criteria for BUILD, students must meet the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) definition of Intellectual Disability (ID) including having a documented IQ score in the 70s or lower and demonstrating limitations in adaptive functioning. 

IQ scores and adaptive functioning limitations are typically documented through either a school evaluation report or medical evaluation. Adaptive functioning limitations are also noted in the BUILD Application Functional Skills Assessment.

Based on a review of the above criteria, the committee determines to the best of its ability the students it deems most likely to achieve program goals, considering available resources and the makeup of the cohort; those students are then chosen to fill the available seats in the program.

All unsuccessful applicants are free to re-apply for future cohorts, but the BUILD team does not give individual advice concerning future admissions success.