Overview
Gallaudet University is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Washington, District of Columbia. The school accepts 59.2% of applicants and enrolls 879 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 59.2%
- Average SAT
- 921
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 752–1,089
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 17
- Total Enrollment
- 879
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Gallaudet requires all applicants to submit a video essay in American Sign Language, making ASL fluency essential for admission consideration. Your video should demonstrate natural conversational skills rather than basic classroom-level signing, as you'll join a fully immersive deaf and hard-of-hearing academic community where ASL serves as the primary language of instruction and campus life.
Strong applications highlight your connection to deaf culture and community involvement beyond academic achievements. Write about specific experiences with deaf organizations, advocacy work, or leadership roles within the deaf community. The admissions committee wants to see how you'll contribute to campus culture, not just succeed academically.
Your personal statement should address why you're choosing Gallaudet specifically rather than other universities with disability services. Discuss particular faculty members whose research interests align with yours, or mention specific programs like the ASL and Deaf Studies major, which prepares graduates for interpreter training and deaf education careers.
The campus operates as a tight-knit community where visual communication shapes everything from classroom discussions to social gatherings. Students who thrive here embrace deaf identity as central to their college experience and career goals. You'll find the environment most comfortable if you've already spent time in deaf spaces and understand deaf cultural norms.
Apply early since Gallaudet uses rolling admissions and housing fills quickly. Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible because the university provides substantial need-based aid that makes attendance affordable for most students. Don't assume your hearing status disqualifies you,some hearing students from deaf families or with strong ASL backgrounds do attend, though they represent a small minority of the student body.
Your essays should avoid treating deafness as something to overcome or fix. Instead, frame your deaf identity as an asset and discuss how you plan to use your Gallaudet education to advance deaf rights, education, or professional opportunities within the deaf community.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $14,085/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $18,382
- Students Receiving Aid
- 54%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,101/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 77.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gallaudet University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Gallaudet University is test-optional, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What makes Gallaudet University different from other colleges for deaf and hard of hearing students?
Gallaudet is the world's only university designed specifically for deaf and hard of hearing students, with all classes conducted in American Sign Language and English. The campus culture is entirely accessible, and hearing students must be bilingual in ASL and English to attend.
Can hearing students apply to Gallaudet University?
Hearing students can apply to Gallaudet's graduate programs if they demonstrate ASL proficiency. Most undergraduate programs are reserved for deaf and hard of hearing students, though some exceptions exist for specific programs.
What is the application deadline for Gallaudet University?
Gallaudet University has rolling admissions with a priority deadline of February 15 for fall semester. Applications submitted after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.