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Gallaudet University

Washington, DC·Private nonprofit·879 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. 54% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

61%
Accept
879
Students
$14,085
Net Price
47%
Grad Rate
$34,300
Earnings
10 yr
$12,750
Debt

About This School

Gallaudet University is a private nonprofit institution located in Washington, District of Columbia with approximately 879 undergraduate students enrolled. Gallaudet University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 61%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,085 per year. The graduation rate is 47%, and the typical graduate earns $34,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Gallaudet University is a private federally chartered university in Washington, D.C., for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing. It was founded in 1864 as a grammar school for both deaf and blind children. It was the first school for the advanced education of the deaf and hard of hearing in the world and remains the only higher education institution in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students. Hearing students are admitted to the graduate school and a small number are also admitted as undergraduates each year. The university was named after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a notable figure in the advancement of deaf education.

The only university in the world designed entirely around deaf and hard of hearing students, this institution offers a genuinely unique academic and cultural environment in Washington, D.C. — and at an average net price of just $14,085/year, it's more affordable than most private schools. The numbers tell a mixed story, though: a 47% graduation rate and median earnings of $34,300 a decade out suggest that students should go in with clear career goals and a plan to stay on track.

Founded
1857
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing11%
Psychology9%
Communications7%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Biological Sciences6%
Computer Science6%
Social Sciences4%
Mathematics3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Troy KotsurEmilio InsoleraLauren RidloffArika OkrentShoshannah SternNyle DiMarcoRussell HarvardDaniel DurantTyrone GiordanoPhyllis Frelich

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite857
Reading 75th %ile463
Math 75th %ile470

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite17

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$18,382
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,382
Avg Net Price
$14,085
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants54%
Median debt at graduation$12,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
47%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
77%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$25,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White42%
Black18%
Hispanic/Latino23%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (879 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Gallaudet University

800 Florida Ave, NE

Washington, DC 20002-3695

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in District of Columbia

Browse all District of Columbia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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