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Enrollment Criteria
Learn more about the criteria to enroll in the Arch Learning Program.
The Arch Learning Community at Dean College supports students with diagnosed learning challenges or differences by offering cohort classroom learning, customized coaching, weekly seminar classes and specialized advising.
For over two decades, the widely regarded Arch Learning Community program at Dean College has provided comprehensive support to students with diagnosed learning challenges and/or other learning differences, such as attention and memory difficulties, who would benefit from additional academic support while taking part in a traditional college curriculum.
Through individual academic coaching, Arch-designated courses and specialized success and career advising, students will work within the program to acquire the skills necessary to be successful in their degree program.
Students who are accepted into the Arch Learning Community may choose to enroll in the program for one or two years, or for the duration of their time at the college. With a 95% retention rate from the fall to spring semester, this program has been proven to be an invaluable experience to those who participate.
Learn more about the criteria to enroll in the Arch Learning Program.
Through individual academic coaching, two Arch-designed core courses (non-modified) each semester of freshman year, and along with specialized success and career advising and individualized career planning, you will work to acquire the skills necessary to be successful in your degree program.
Our staff works with you to develop strategies for becoming an active participant in your education, advocating for your learning style and taking greater responsibility for your role in the learning process.
Arch Program Cost: $7500 per year
Dean College offers a bundle with the Engage Program for students who would benefit from both academic and social skills support for $9500 per year.
Our free support services include discipline-specific tutoring with faculty and trained peer tutors, Math Center, Writing Center, Accessibility Support Services and Counseling and Health Services. Our assistive technology includes Read & Write, Smartpens, FM Systems, Zoom Text, Bookshare, iPad apps and dictation software.
retention rate for Arch members from fall to spring semesters
Arch graduates who completed their degrees within four years
of first-year Arch students feel the program meets their needs
I wanted to go to a small, inclusive school that would not only help me through my studies but to make connections with the staff members and student life on campus. Throughout my years at Dean, the Arch program has helped me build skills that I use inside and outside the classroom and make connections with my advisor, professors and coaches.
Being in the Arch program has been great because I’ve been given resources and accommodations that help relieve me of stress and anxiety. I’ve been given the opportunity to take classes and use my accommodations so I could learn new things and not be judged. I love how supportive the staff and professors are and how they help students to have a great semester.
Many of our students who are looking for a small, supportive school have found success at Dean. Our students have been given support through the Arch Program that helped them thrive in college.