At $14,085/yr net price, Gallaudet University graduates earn $43,101/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,101/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,085 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,340 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,101/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,101/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,221/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,603/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,210/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,318/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,557/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $77,213 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 | $63,242 |
| American Sign Language. | Master | $52,107 | $29,470 |
| Social Work. | Master | $44,737 | $34,922 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $41,193 | |
| American Sign Language. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $23,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
46.6% of students at Gallaudet University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Gallaudet University delivers mixed financial returns, with outcomes heavily dependent on your major choice. The net price of $14,085 annually keeps debt manageable, but the 46% graduation rate means many students never see any return on their investment.
Communication Disorders programs stand out as clear winners, with graduates earning $77,213 or $57,318 depending on the specific track. American Sign Language majors also perform well at $52,107, making these the financially strongest paths at Gallaudet. Social Work graduates earn $44,737, which provides decent value given the school's relatively low cost. Business Administration lags behind at $41,193, making it a weaker financial choice here.
The biggest financial risk is not graduating. Nearly half of students leave without a degree, forfeiting their investment entirely. The 77% retention rate suggests many struggle in their first year. If you have concerns about completing your degree, this creates substantial financial risk.
Gallaudet works best financially for deaf and hard-of-hearing students committed to communication-related careers who can leverage the university's specialized programs and networking opportunities. The school's unique position in the deaf community creates career pathways that raw salary numbers may not fully capture.
You should look elsewhere if you want traditional business programs or need higher graduation rate confidence. With only 54% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities appear limited, making this primarily a full-pay environment for many families.
The school's specialized mission means your career prospects depend heavily on staying within fields that value deaf culture expertise and sign language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gallaudet University worth the cost?
Gallaudet University offers a relatively low net price at $14,085 annually, but graduates earn just $43,101 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. The 46.6% graduation rate also raises concerns about completing your degree.
What are the best paying majors at Gallaudet University?
Communication Disorders Sciences graduates earn the highest salaries at $77,213, making it the clear ROI winner at Gallaudet. American Sign Language ($52,107) and Social Work ($44,737) offer decent returns, while Business graduates earn just $41,193.
How much student debt do Gallaudet University graduates have?
Gallaudet graduates have a median debt load of $18,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low debt combined with the affordable net price makes the financial risk relatively small.
What makes Gallaudet University different for ROI calculations?
Gallaudet serves primarily deaf and hard-of-hearing students, creating unique career paths that standard salary data may not fully capture. The specialized nature of the education and strong alumni networks in deaf community organizations can provide value beyond typical earnings metrics.