Academics
Areas of Study

Find your place at Gallaudet University

Undergraduate Admissions

A Gallaudet diploma is worth the investment. And so are you.

Gallaudet is 58% less expensive than average U.S. universities.
Gallaudet graduates leave with 67% less debt than the national average.
Up to $80,000 in scholarships are available per student.
30% of incoming Gallaudet students are new signers.
8:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio

1/3

of our students come from mainstream high school programs.

1/3

of our students come from high schools for the deaf.

1/3

of our students are transfers from other colleges and universities.
500+ deaf and hard of hearing faculty and staff members
93% of Bison grads are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of receiving their diploma.
40+ academic areas of study
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Gallaudet is affordable.

We offer affordable tuition along with generous financial aid packages to make your higher education dreams a reality. Gallaudet also has up to $80,000 in merit scholarship funds available for each eligible student, and 90% of Gallaudet students receive financial aid or scholarships.

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A full academic experience with zero compromises

History & Traditions

History & Traditions

Absorb the wealth of knowledge and progress at an institution steeped in rich history and cultural milestones.
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New and Emerging Signers

New and Emerging Signers

From mastering the basics to reaching fluency, Gallaudet is the perfect place to learn ASL.
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Academics

Academics

Explore 40 undergraduate majors and minors across 11 disciplines and challenging graduate programs and online degree offerings.
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Spirit and Athletics

Spirit and Athletics

There’s always a way to get moving and get involved. Let your Bison pride shine with 14 NCAA Division III teams and intramural programs.
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Life at Gallaudet

Life at Gallaudet

Discover a college experience like no other in Gallaudet’s immersive ASL/English environment.
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Research and Innovation

Research and Innovation

Be a part of groundbreaking research and innovation with a worldwide impact.
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Clubs and Organizations

Clubs and Organizations

We’re better together. Support a cause, pursue your passions, and connect with peers in a Student Club or Organization.
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Life in D.C.

Life in D.C.

Opportunity awaits in one of the most historical, diverse, and vibrant cities in the United States.
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At Gallaudet, all students are welcome!

Get the education you deserve without sacrificing the collegiate experience. With over 40 undergraduate majors and minors across 11 disciplines, we know you’ll find a place to belong.

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Fill out a short form with your information so our Admissions Counselors can contact you.

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Admissions Checklist

Deaf and Hard of Hearing First-Time Freshman Applicants

Choose Gallaudet University, and get ready to accelerate your future and influence the world!

If you have never enrolled at any other college/university before applying, you are a first-time freshman. All enrolled students will receive an iPad Pro free of charge.

Looking to further your American Sign Language education? Learn more about ASL Connect.

Required application materials

Complete an online application, including the $50 application fee * (you may be eligible for an application fee waiver, be sure to ask!)

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after October 1 if applicable

A short essay, 250-500 words long

One video essay in American Sign Language (optional)

A letter of recommendation from an academic teacher who teaches a core subject such as English, mathematics, science, or social studies

Unofficial high school and college transcripts (if applicable)**

Audiogram results

ACT, SAT, or TOEFL scores (or alternative testing***). Gallaudet utilizes superscores for both the ACT and SAT to award merit scholarships in addition to using them for admissions consideration. Learn how you can take the ACT exam on campus.

Audiogram

* Waived if you submit by December 1, attend an Open House event or campus visit- whether virtual or in-person, attend a virtual Gallaudet event, or have ever participated in any of our Gallaudet University Youth Programs
** Please note that if you have earned college credits during high school via dual enrollment or advanced placement. You will still be considered a first-time freshman
*** Due to the pandemic, you may sign up for the Degrees of Reading Power or the Math College Readiness assessments instead of ACT or SAT scores. Sign up for the assessments through the application portal, after you submit your application. International applicants should submit TOFEL scores.

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admission for Special/Visiting Applicants

Dec 1

Application Fee Waiver deadline

Dec 31

Spring Admissions general deadline

Feb 15

Honors Program priority deadline

May 1

Enrollment Deposit due

Interested in applying to the Honors Program at Gallaudet University?

If you meet the criteria for Honors Program admission, you will be invited to apply at the time of your acceptance to the University.

Honors Program Admission Criteria

The Honors Program uses a holistic admissions process, meaning we consider the whole person as we screen applicants. Several factors are considered, including high school or college GPA, ACT or SAT scores, a one-on-one interview, determination and grit, and materials submitted as part of the online application to Gallaudet.

Your application will be reviewed for Honors Program admission when you apply to the University. You also have the option of applying to the Honors Program once you are here! We recognize that intellectual flowering and motivation sometimes occurs after arriving here at Gallaudet.

We look for students who demonstrate intellectual motivation, dedication to a program of study, and critical thinking skills to engage and wrestle with texts and concepts in order to further their academic journeys in graduate school and life beyond the university.

Perks of the Honors Program

To aid students in their quest for excellence, we provide a number of benefits including dedicated study facilities, scholarships, social programs, and enhanced academic preparation. Our graduates also have Improved career opportunities, and are eminently prepared for admission to top-tier graduate or professional programs.

Holistic Application Review

Admission to Gallaudet is competitive, but our admission process is a personal one. Each application is reviewed holistically for:
strength of academic preparation
performance on standardized tests
letters of recommendation

We seek applicants from a variety of geographic, social, cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

Transfer Applicants

Transfer applications, like freshman applications, undergo holistic review. But high school performance and SAT/ACT test scores are not considered. Instead, we look for:

  • Evidence of relevant coursework and experiences related to your field of study
  • Required courses for specific areas of study
  • Evidence of a positive academic trend (GPA)

Nondiscrimination Statement

As an equal opportunity educational institution, Gallaudet encourages applications from racial and ethnic minorities. Gallaudet is committed to a barrier-free environment and provides students who have physical disabilities (in addition to hearing loss) the assistance they need to participate fully in campus programs and activities.