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's numbers show a weak financial return that reflects its specific mission as the world's leading university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Median earnings ten years out sit at $43,101, which trails most four-year private schools, and the graduation rate under 47% means fewer than half of you finish. The debt side is the one bright spot: median debt of $18,000 is low, so you are unlikely to leave buried in loans even if earnings stay modest.
The program data tells a hard story. None of the top-earning bachelor's programs listed here clear $40,000. American Sign Language pays best at $39,729 but also carries $23,500 in debt, so it produces the highest earnings and the highest debt at once. Biology graduates earn just $25,194, which is a poor return for a science degree that usually requires further study to pay off. Health and Physical Education lands in between at $29,685. If you want a degree that reliably pays, these three fields do not deliver it here.
The regional risk is specific: you are in Washington, DC, a high-cost city where $43,101 does not stretch far. Many Gallaudet careers point toward deaf education, interpreting, and social services, fields that pay modestly nationwide.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns $75,000 to $110,000, you pay only $10,318, less than families earning under $30,000 pay. But cross above $110,000 and the price jumps to $21,557. Gallaudet is a strong financial fit if you are deaf or hard-of-hearing and want an accessible campus built around ASL, where the low debt cushions the low earnings. If you are chasing high salaries, the payoff here is not there.
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.