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Application and Admissions

Admission Criteria

Admission will be based on the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 26 upon admission (must be 25 or younger when an application is submitted).
  • Applicant must have completed a high school program and received a diploma or certificate. (Or will be in the current academic year).
  • The applicant should have a minimum reading level of first grade.
  • The applicant must have a diagnosed intellectual disability that interferes with their academic performance.
  • The applicant must have sufficient emotional and independent stability to participate in all aspects of UL LIFE.
  • The applicant should be able to sit through 90-minute courses.
  • The applicant is comfortable around large groups of people.
  • The applicant must demonstrate the ability to accept responsibility for their actions and maintain respect for him/herself and others.
  • The applicant must have no history of disruptive or aggressive behaviors. NOTE: UL LIFE does not have the personnel necessary to manage behavioral issues.
  • The applicant must independently handle their own medication, specialized dietary, and/or medical needs. NOTE: UL LIFE staff takes no responsibility for specialized diets or medical needs.
  • The applicant must be independent in basic hygiene. UL LIFE staff is not responsible for a student’s daily hygiene needs.
  • The applicant must be self-motivated and adhere to the policies regarding attendance and participation in coursework within the program and audited UL Lafayette courses.
  • The applicant should utilize technology (I.e., cell phone, laptop, etc.) with little to no support.
  • Based on a review of records and interviews, the applicant has the potential to successfully achieve their goals within the context of the UL LIFE setting.

Application Process

The application for the 2026-2027 academic year is NOW OPEN! All applications and supplemental items must be received by December 5, 2026, to be considered for an interview.

If a student is reapplying to the program, please email lifeprogram@louisiana.edu to obtain more information on this process and a reapplication packet. All re-applications must be received by December 5, 2026, to be considered for an interview.

The UL LIFE Admissions Staff reviews completed applications for eligibility. Applicants will be offered interviews based on meeting requirements as determined by their application and the LIFE Admissions Staff. An interview does not guarantee entry into the program, but applicants must attend an interview to be considered for admission.

Make Plans to Attend Preview Day

UL LIFE will have two Preview Days in the Fall of 2025. This is an opportunity to get information on the 2025-2026 application year and all aspects of the UL LIFE Program. Preview Day will be held in person and is STRONGLY encouraged for applicants.

UL LIFE does not provide tours outside of Preview Day.


Fall 2025 Preview Day dates: September 27th, 2025 & October 25th, 2025.


Sign up for our September 27th Preview Day.


Sing up for our October 25th Preview Day.

At Preview Day, you can expect to:

• Tour the University campus and LIFE Program facilities.
• Meet with UL Lafayette departments to learn more about Housing, Financial Aid, Student Engagement, and more.
• Hear directly from UL LIFE students and mentors.
• Learn and ask questions about UL LIFE from LIFE staff.