Acceptance Rate
58%
Avg. SAT
1022
75th percentile
“The world's only university where deaf and hard-of-hearing students lead, and American Sign Language fills every classroom and conversation.”
Washington, DC
Location
Gallaudet University traces its roots to 1864, when it opened as the first college in the U.S. dedicated to deaf education, thanks to a land donation from a local philanthropist. Nestled in a residential pocket of Washington, DC, it serves a tight-knit community of about 1,100 undergraduates who share a visual language and culture. You'll find a campus alive with signing hands, where deaf and hard-of-hearing students set the pace and expectations.
Students fluent in ASL and drawn to deaf studies flourish here, forming deep bonds in a place built around their needs. Hearing students join too, but they must embrace signing and the deaf perspective to fully connect. The DC location means easy access to federal agencies and museums, yet the high cost of living off-campus pushes most to stay housed on the grounds.
Photo Gallery
+3
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classes rely on American Sign Language and visual methods, with interpreters and captions ensuring everyone follows along. The university shines in deaf education, ASL linguistics, and interpreter training, where you'll dive into the nuances of sign language structure alongside peers who live it daily. Research centers tackle deaf culture, technology for accessibility, and bilingual learning, often pulling undergrads into hands-on projects.
Small class sizes foster close discussions, but the specialized focus limits options in fields like engineering or fine arts compared to larger schools. Popular majors fill up fast, so early declaration helps secure your spot.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
875 undergrad • 460 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
46%
Black / African American
15%
Hispanic / Latino
20%
Asian
5%
Other / Multi-racial
14%
Campus Life
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus hums with signing during daily life, from dorm chats to club meetings, creating a barrier-free social scene for deaf students. Traditions include the lively homecoming pageant electing The Little C and Big K queens through talent and spirit. A typical week mixes lectures, intramural sports, and coffee house performances, with weekends spilling into DC's free Smithsonian museums or Nationals Park games.
All freshmen live on campus in dorms equipped for deaf living, like visual fire alarms. The party scene stays mellow, emphasizing connection over crowds, though DC's urban energy tempts exploration. Rainy weather and pricey city rents make staying put appealing for many.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
United East Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$21,956
$30K – $48K
$22,128
$48K – $75K
$19,800
$75K – $110K
$25,593
$110K+
$32,581
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
71%
4 Years Graduation Rate
33%
6 Years Graduation Rate
58%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$43,101
71% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Gallaudet University and return in the fall. 33% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 58% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
33%
4-5 years
25%
6-8 years
4%
Non-grad
38%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$16,512
Acceptance
58%
Undergrads
875
4-Year Grad Rate
33%
Endowment
$174M
Washington, DC 20002-3695