About Us
Our Story
SmartTrack was born out of deep frustration—and deeper conviction. As faculty and administrators, we saw bright, capable students with cognitive learning disabilities struggle unnecessarily. Traditional advising and accommodation were often too reactive, too impe'rsonal, and too disconnected from wVat students truly needed. We kn'ew there had to be a better way—so we built one.
"I've worked in higher education for decades—but I'm a dad first. That's why I built SmartTrack—to make sure someone's watching out for your student the way I'd want for mine."
That's our purpose. That's our mission.
Dr. John Terrell, Ed.D
Founder, SmartTrack College Success
Why We Built SmartTrack: The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Delayed Graduation & Dropout Risk
Students with learning disabilities are far more likely to take longer than four years to graduate—or leave college without finishing—adding tens of thousands of dollars in wasted tuition and fees.
• Only 41% of LD students graduate within six years.
• Each extra year of college costs $25,000–$35,000 in tuition, housing, and fees.
• 51% of LD students drop out, often after spending $20,000–$40,000 on incomplete credits.
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities)
The financial hit of delays or dropouts can exceed a full year's starting salary.
The Real Cost of "Patchwork" Support
When colleges fall short, parents often scramble for quick fixes—costly tutoring, study tools, and retakes that don't address learning differences.
• Private tutors cost $75–$150 per hour and often lack LD expertise.
• Families spend $500–$1,500 per semester on apps, software, or equipment with little impact.
• Switching majors or schools can waste 12–15 credits = $4,500–$6,000 in lost tuition.
(Sources: Pricing Study, U.S. Dept. of Education)
Parents spend thousands trying to piece together support that still leaves their student behind.
Academic Missteps = Thousands Lost
One bad semester can snowball into major financial setbacks—failed classes, lost scholarships, and expensive course retakes.
• A single failed or withdrawn course costs $1,200–$3,000 in tuition and fees.
• GPA drops often wipe out $2,000–$10,000 per year in scholarships or grants.
• Retaking just two classes can add $2,500–$6,000 to your college bill.
(Sources: College Board, National Scholarship Providers Association)
Every misstep puts students further behind—and parents on the hook for thousands.
The Energy Drain Cost
When support is decentralized and advising is poor, LD students spend more time trying to navigate college systems than actually learning. The result is exhaustion, stress, and preventable setbacks.
• Time Sink: Students with LDs can spend 10–15 hours each week troubleshooting course issues, chasing accommodations, or managing miscommunication between departments.
• Lost Learning Momentum: Every hour spent "fighting the system" is an hour not spent mastering class content, leading to lower performance and even more costly retakes.
(Sources: American College Health Association, LDA America)
The hidden price isn't just in dollars—it's in the energy and confidence your student needs to succeed.
What Parents Are Saying About SmartTrack
Real families. Real challenges. Real results.
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The Sooner We Step In, the Smoother the Road Ahead
You know your student best. We know how to support them in college.
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