Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Gallaudet University at a Glance
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…
1864
162 years old
$229M
$228.9 million (2024)
1,354
875 undergrad · 460 grad
553
99 acres
Identity
Is Gallaudet University Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, Gallaudet University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,101 — 20% below average — while paying $15,845/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 47% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Gallaudet University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Gallaudet University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #12 of 57 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #5 | Heritage University | 39 | $14,598 | $49,416 |
| #6 | Erskine College | 38 | $16,525 | $53,459 |
| #12 | Gallaudet University | 32 | $15,845 | $43,101 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Gallaudet University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Gallaudet University
The highest-earning program at Gallaudet University is American Sign Language at $39,600/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a American Sign Language graduate from Gallaudet University earns $39,600, while a American Sign Language graduate earns $39,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: American Sign Language graduates carry $17,000 in median debt vs. $17,000 for American Sign Language.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,845/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Sign Language | $39,600 | $39,600 | $17,000 |
Similar Colleges in DC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Washington, DC
- Student Body
- 812 students
- Admission Rate
- 58%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,845
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,101
- Median Student Debt
- $18,000