Washington, DC · Private University
Is Gallaudet University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$43,101
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$18,382
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,382
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$73,528
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.35x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
46.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,085
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Gallaudet University graduates earn $1,899 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Gallaudet University ranked by graduate earnings
39 graduates
16 graduates
21 graduates
16 graduates
24 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Gallaudet University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group StudiesBest ROI | $48,417 | 2.6x |
| American Sign Language | $46,859 | 2.5x |
| Social Work | $45,171 | 2.5x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $31,577 | 1.7x |
| Psychology, General | $30,754 | 1.7x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations(1yr data) | $29,003 | 1.6x |
| Communication and Media StudiesLowest(1yr data) | $25,747 | 1.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Gallaudet University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $43,101 10 years after starting, $1,899 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9.1 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.