
Gallaudet University is a private federally chartered university in Washington, D.C., founded in 1864 as a grammar school for deaf and blind children. It was the first school for the advanced education of the deaf and hard of hearing and remains the only higher education institution with all programs and services specifically designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The university is named after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a prominent figure in the advancement of deaf education. In 2020, the university served over 1,500 students, a significant increase from its humble beginnings with just 12 students in 1857. As of Fall 2023, the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 919 students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1864 |
| Student population in 1857 | 12 |
| Student population in 2020 | 1,500 |
| Undergraduate enrollment (Fall 2023) | 919 |
| Campus size | 99 acres |
| Tuition fees (2022) | $16,512 |
| Average net price (2022) | $13,787 |
| Percentage of undergraduate students receiving financial aid through grants (2022) | 91% |
| Percentage of undergraduate students receiving financial aid through loans (2022) | 33% |
| Median undergraduate tuition (2022) | $16,512 |
| Popular Masters Degree concentrations (2022) | American Sign Language (ASL), Speech-Language Pathology, Social Work |
| Most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients (2022) | White (211 degrees awarded) |
| Second most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients (2022) | Hispanic or Latino (57 degrees) |
| Student demographic with the highest graduation rate (2022) | Female and Asian (66.7% graduation rate) |
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What You'll Learn

In 2023, Gallaudet University had 919 undergraduate students enrolled
While the majority of students are deaf or hard of hearing, a small number of hearing students are admitted as undergraduates each year. The university is officially bilingual, with American Sign Language (ASL) and written English used for instruction. In 2022, the median undergraduate tuition at Gallaudet University was $16,512, which is significantly lower than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities. After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students was $13,787. That same year, 91% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 33% received financial aid through loans.
Gallaudet University has experienced significant growth over the years, evolving from a small grammar school to a thriving university. In 1857, the university served only twelve students, a stark contrast to the over 1,500 students enrolled in 2020. The university's growth and evolution demonstrate its commitment to providing accessible and inclusive education for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
In recent years, Gallaudet University has faced some challenges, including concerns about academic standards, living conditions, and safety. However, the university remains a pivotal institution for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, empowering its students to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
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The university had 1,500 students in 2020
Since its founding in 1864, Gallaudet University has grown significantly. The university had 1,500 students in 2020, a substantial increase from its humble beginnings of just 12 students in 1857. This growth reflects the university's enduring commitment to providing advanced education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Gallaudet University, located in Washington, D.C., holds a unique distinction as the first school in the world dedicated to the advanced education of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. This private federally chartered university is named after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a pivotal figure in the advancement of deaf education. The university's history is deeply intertwined with the journey to establish a specialised institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
The university's evolution from a small grammar school for deaf and blind children to a thriving institution with 1,500 students in 2020 is a testament to its resilience and impact. This growth has been fuelled by a steadfast dedication to its mission. Gallaudet University remains the only higher education institution where all programmes and services are specifically tailored to cater to the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
The university's bilingual nature is a cornerstone of its educational philosophy, with American Sign Language (ASL) and written English serving as the primary mediums of instruction. This dual approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that embraces the richness of sign language while also fostering strong written communication skills. The university's research endeavours further enrich the academic experience, with the Gallaudet Research Expo providing a platform for the university community to showcase their scholarly pursuits.
In 2020, with 1,500 students, Gallaudet University continued to foster an inclusive and empowering environment. The university's efforts extend beyond academics, striving to create a space where the deaf experience and the vibrancy of sign language thrive. With a rich history, a dedicated community, and a forward-thinking outlook, Gallaudet University is poised to continue shaping the landscape of deaf education and empowering students to write their own stories.
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The most common ethnicity at the university is white
Gallaudet University is a private federally chartered university in Washington, D.C., founded in 1864. 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 with all programs and services specifically designed for deaf and hard of hearing students. The university is officially bilingual, with American Sign Language (ASL) and written English used for instruction.
In 2022, the median undergraduate tuition at Gallaudet University was $16,512, which is significantly lower than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities. 91% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, and 33% received financial aid through loans. The university has approximately 1,500 students and a total undergraduate enrollment of 919 for the fall 2023 semester.
Gallaudet University has a rich history and has been a consistently growing and evolving institution since its founding. It has empowered the deaf and hard of hearing communities globally and continues to be a space where the vitality of the deaf experience and the vibrancy of sign language thrive.
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Gallaudet University is a private institution
Gallaudet University is a private federally chartered institution in Washington, D.C., that was founded in 1864 as a grammar school for 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. The university was named after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a notable figure in the advancement of deaf education.
The university is officially bilingual, with American Sign Language (ASL) and written English used for instruction and by the college community. While there are no specific ASL proficiency requirements for undergraduate admission, many graduate programs require varying degrees of knowledge of the language as a prerequisite. The most common Masters Degree concentration at Gallaudet University is American Sign Language (ASL), with 50 degrees awarded in 2022.
Gallaudet University had around 1,500 students in 2020, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 919 in the fall of 2023. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #214. Its tuition and fees are $19,654, while the median undergraduate tuition in 2022 was $16,512, which is $7,484 less than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities.
Gallaudet University has a rich history and vibrant traditions. In 1864, the university became federally funded when President Abraham Lincoln signed the charter bill into law, leading to its first commencement in 1869, which was attended by President Ulysses S. Grant. The campus includes historic buildings such as Chapel Hall, built in 1870, and College Hall, completed in 1877, which was the main academic building and dormitory for male students.
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It was founded in 1864
In 1864, Gallaudet University became federally funded when President Abraham Lincoln signed a charter bill into law. This bill authorised the Columbia Institution, which later became Gallaudet University, to award collegiate degrees. The university was named after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a notable figure in the advancement of deaf education.
Gallaudet University was founded as a grammar school for deaf and blind children. It was the first school for the advanced education of the deaf and hard of hearing in the world. It remains the only higher education institution in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students.
The university's mission has always been to empower deaf and hard of hearing communities globally. This mission is reflected in its bilingual status, with American Sign Language (ASL) and written English used for instruction and by the college community.
In 1869, Gallaudet held its first commencement ceremony, which was attended by President Ulysses S. Grant. The university has continued to grow and evolve since its founding, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 919 students in the fall of 2023.
Gallaudet University has a rich history and has played a significant role in the advancement of deaf education and the empowerment of the deaf community.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2020, there are 1,500 students enrolled at Gallaudet University.
As of Fall 2023, there are 919 undergraduate students enrolled at Gallaudet University.
In 2022, 50 students were enrolled in the Master's Degree program at Gallaudet University, with American Sign Language (ASL) being the most common concentration.
When it was founded in 1857, there were 12 students enrolled at Gallaudet University.
A small number of hearing students are admitted as undergraduates each year.










































