About Gallaudet University
The financial picture shows reasonable costs for specialized education. Students pay an average net price of $14,085 after aid, regardless of whether they're from in-state or out-of-state since tuition runs $18,382 for everyone. Graduates earn a median of $43,101 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $18,000. The monthly loan payment averages just $191, making the investment manageable for most graduates.
The intimate academic environment features a 6:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personal attention. About 77% of students return for their second year, though graduation rates remain challenging with 46% completing degrees within six years. The Bison compete in 15 NCAA Division III sports, giving 242 student-athletes opportunities to excel both academically and athletically.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.6%
- Retention Rate
- 77.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,101
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $77,213 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 |
| American Sign Language. | Master | $52,107 |
| Social Work. | Master | $44,737 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $41,193 |
| American Sign Language. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
DC's four distinct seasons require both winter coats and summer clothes, but the metro-accessible campus puts students minutes from museums, internships, and cultural events. Weekend activities center around Deaf culture celebrations, ASL poetry nights, and strong athletic traditions with 15 varsity sports teams competing as the Bison. Students gather in residential halls where visual fire alarms and doorbell lights create an accessible living environment. The 77% retention rate reflects how students find their place in this specialized community. Many describe campus as a sanctuary where communication barriers disappear and deaf identity is celebrated rather than accommodated.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 893 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1857
Campus Safety (2023)
229 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 43 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 32 | 20 | 0 | 3 |
| Arson | 12 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 10 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Burglary | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| Fondling | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–44°F
- July Avg
- 70°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 9.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.1%
- Women
- 51.9%
- White
- 42.1%
- Black
- 17.5%
- Hispanic
- 23.0%
- Asian
- 5.0%
- In-State Students
- 0.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 54.3%
Location
- Address
- Washington, District of Columbia 20002-3695
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,101
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,065
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $25,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $191/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Gallaudet University?
Gallaudet accepts 59% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. As the world's only university designed to be barrier-free for deaf and hard of hearing students, the school evaluates candidates based on their potential to thrive in a visual learning environment rather than traditional test scores alone.
How much does Gallaudet University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,085 annually after aid, with 54% receiving financial assistance. The university charges the same $18,382 tuition for all students regardless of residency, reflecting its unique mission to serve the deaf and hard of hearing community nationwide.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Gallaudet University?
Gallaudet maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio with just 879 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for extensive use of American Sign Language in classes and ensures personalized attention in the university's barrier-free academic environment.
What are the career outcomes for Gallaudet University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $43,101 ten years after enrollment, with an 88% employment rate. The 47% six-year graduation rate reflects the specialized support needed for deaf and hard of hearing students transitioning to college-level academics.
Where is Gallaudet University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Washington DC with housing for 893 students, creating a tight-knit residential community. Founded in 1857, Gallaudet fields 15 NCAA Division III sports teams and maintains a culturally rich environment where Deaf culture and American Sign Language are central to daily life.
Does Gallaudet University serve a unique student population?
The student body is 52% female and diverse, with 42% white, 23% Hispanic, and 18% Black students. Uniquely, 0% of students are considered in-state since Gallaudet draws deaf and hard of hearing students from across the nation and internationally, making it a truly national university.
