Gallaudet University

Gallaudet offers 50+ majors and 30 minors, including standout programs in Business Administration, Psychology, and Political Science—its most popular degrees. The university emphasizes a 'world-class' liberal arts foundation with a Deaf studies lens across disciplines. Unique offerings include a Self-Directed Major option and specialized outcomes like a 92% 5-year graduation rate for Accounting majors. Classes are delivered in ASL, with curricula designed to leverage visual learning. The academic vibe is hands-on: think policy debates in Political Science where ASL rhetoric takes precedence over spoken-word conventions.

Campus life revolves around ASL-centric socialization: 84% of students live on campus in dorms with visual doorbells, strobe-light fire alarms, and open sightlines to facilitate communication. Over 24 clubs and organizations range from competitive ASL poetry slams to Deaf theater productions. The Instagram account @gallaudetu.campuslife showcases events like visual comedy nights and silent DJ dances. It’s a 24/7 immersive Deaf space—even the gym has ASL-friendly fitness classes. Proximity to DC offers internships at organizations like the National Association of the Deaf, but most social energy stays on-campus.

Graduation rates are a mixed picture: 41% graduate within 6 years (well below national averages), but certain programs like Business Administration boast 87-92% 5-year completion rates. Early-career salaries average $45,162, with strong placement in Deaf education, advocacy, and government roles. Gallaudet climbed to #198 among National Universities in 2026 U.S. News rankings, reflecting improved retention efforts. Alumni networks are fiercely loyal, often funneling graduates into niche Deaf-serving industries where Gallaudet’s name carries unparalleled weight.

Tuition hits $15,025 net price after aid (vs. a sticker price near $50K), with 90% of students receiving financial assistance. The average aid package is $32,771, combining federal grants ($6,086), institutional scholarships ($10,632), and state aid ($17,039 for eligible students). Gallaudet promotes a 'up to $80K over 4 years' scholarship promise, though Pell Grant recipients report smaller averages ($5,855). The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. is $7,940 below typical private nonprofit colleges, making it a relative value for Deaf students seeking a tailored experience.

Gallaudet isn’t just the world’s only university designed for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students—it’s a cultural institution where ASL isn’t accommodated; it’s the default. Every campus detail, from lecture halls with sightline-focused seating to dormitory lighting optimized for signing, reinforces this. The academics are solid (especially in policy and business), but the real draw is the total-immersion Deaf ecosystem, where students develop both career skills and unshakable cultural pride. It’s a place where ‘student life’ means debating in ASL over midnight pizza, knowing everyone—from the president to the barista—signs.