Gallaudet University is a federally chartered school for deaf and hard of hearing students
Gallaudet University is a private university in Washington, D.C., founded in 1864 and chartered by Congress. It is the only university in the United States where the curriculum and campus are built around the needs of deaf and hard of hearing students. Most classes are taught in American Sign Language (ASL), and interpreters are available for all instruction and campus activities. The university does not require students to be deaf or hard of hearing to attend — hearing students and students with other disabilities enroll as well — but the institution's design, support systems, and culture center deaf education and deaf culture.
Gallaudet operates on the principle that deafness is a cultural and linguistic identity, not a deficit to be corrected. The campus includes deaf faculty, deaf administrators, and deaf student peers. This environment differs fundamentally from mainstream universities that hire interpreters as an accommodation. At Gallaudet, sign language and deaf perspectives are the default, not an add-on.
Key Takeaways
- Gallaudet University is located in Washington, D.C., and serves deaf and hard of hearing students, though hearing students may also attend.
- Most instruction happens in American Sign Language, and the campus is designed so deaf students do not need to request accommodations for basic communication.
- Admission does not require proof of deafness; the university considers academic readiness, and many deaf students arrive with varying levels of sign language fluency.
- Gallaudet offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple fields, from engineering and business to liberal arts and education.
- The university provides on-campus housing, career services, and support for students who are transitioning from mainstream schools or who have limited prior exposure to deaf community and culture.
What programs and degrees Gallaudet offers
Gallaudet awards bachelor's degrees in more than 40 fields, including business, engineering, psychology, education, information technology, and visual and performing arts. The university also offers master's degrees and doctoral programs in fields such as deaf education, audiology, and business administration. Students can pursue a traditional four-year undergraduate path or enroll in graduate and professional programs.
The university operates both a residential campus in Washington, D.C., and an online learning platform called Gallaudet Online, which serves deaf and hard of hearing students who cannot relocate or prefer distance learning. Online courses are taught by the same faculty and follow the same curriculum as on-campus classes, with ASL interpretation and captioning provided.
How communication and accessibility work on campus
Because Gallaudet's primary language is American Sign Language, deaf students do not need to request interpreters for classroom instruction — interpreters are built into the system. Hearing students and students who are hard of hearing may use hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices; the university supports all communication preferences. Some classes are taught in spoken English with ASL interpretation, and some are taught primarily in ASL.
The campus also provides real-time captioning, video relay services, and TTY (text telephone) devices in residence halls and common areas. Deaf-blind students can request tactile interpreters. The university's Office of Accessibility Services works with students to determine what supports they need, though the baseline assumption is that deaf students will communicate in sign language rather than through spoken English or written text alone.
Admission and what to expect as a new student
Gallaudet's admission process begins with an process that includes high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and an essay. The university does not require students to prove they are deaf or hard of hearing; admission decisions are based on academic preparation and fit. Many deaf students arrive at Gallaudet with limited or no prior sign language experience, particularly those who grew up in hearing families or attended mainstream schools. The university offers intensive ASL instruction and cultural orientation for these students before the fall semester begins.
New students typically move into residence halls, where they live alongside deaf peers and gain exposure to deaf culture and community. The residential experience is considered central to the Gallaudet education, as much learning happens outside the classroom through peer interaction and participation in student organizations, sports, and social events.
Cost and financial support
Gallaudet's tuition and fees vary by program and enrollment status. Undergraduate tuition is comparable to private universities nationwide, though the exact cost depends on whether a student lives on campus and which degree program they pursue. The university participates in the federal student loan system and offers institutional scholarships and grants based on academic merit and financial need.
Many deaf and hard of hearing students also receive funding through state vocational rehabilitation agencies, which may cover tuition, books, and living expenses as part of a plan to prepare for employment. Students should contact their state's vocational rehabilitation office to learn whether they are may be able to access for this support. Gallaudet's financial aid office can also help students understand what funding sources may be available to them.
How Gallaudet differs from mainstream universities with disability services
At a mainstream university, deaf students typically request an interpreter as an accommodation, and the institution hires that interpreter to attend classes and campus events. The student is responsible for coordinating with the disability services office, and the burden of communication often falls on the deaf student to explain their needs. At Gallaudet, the institution itself is built around deaf communication and culture. Sign language is not an accommodation — it is the language of instruction. Deaf faculty and staff are not exceptions — they are the norm.
This structural difference means deaf students at Gallaudet do not spend energy explaining or justifying their communication needs. They can focus on academics, social life, and career preparation in an environment where their identity and language are centered rather than accommodated.
How to learn more and take next steps
Gallaudet's main website (gallaudet.edu) includes information about programs, campus life, and the admission process. The university offers virtual and in-person campus tours, and prospective students can schedule meetings with admissions counselors who are often deaf and fluent in ASL. The university also hosts open houses and recruitment events throughout the year.
Students interested in learning more can contact the Office of Admissions by phone (with relay services available), video relay service, email, or through the university's online contact form. High school counselors and state vocational rehabilitation offices can also provide information about Gallaudet and help students understand whether the university is a good fit for their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be deaf to attend Gallaudet?
No. Gallaudet welcomes deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing students. However, the campus is designed primarily for deaf and hard of hearing students, and most instruction is in American Sign Language. Hearing students should be comfortable in a deaf-centered environment and ideally have some sign language skills or willingness to learn.
What if I don't know sign language yet?
Many students arrive at Gallaudet with little or no ASL experience. The university offers intensive sign language courses and cultural orientation before classes begin. Peer mentors and residential advisors also help new students learn sign language and adjust to campus life.
Can I attend Gallaudet if I'm hard of hearing rather than deaf?
Yes. Hard of hearing students attend Gallaudet and use whatever communication methods work best for them — some use hearing aids or cochlear implants, some use sign language, and some use a combination. The university supports all communication preferences and does not require students to identify as deaf.
Is Gallaudet only for undergraduate students?
No. Gallaudet offers graduate and professional degrees in fields including deaf education, business, audiology, and counseling. Graduate programs are open to deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing students.
How much does Gallaudet cost?
Tuition and fees are comparable to private universities nationwide. Many deaf and hard of hearing students receive funding through state vocational rehabilitation agencies, which can cover tuition and living expenses. The university's financial aid office can help students explore funding options.