How to get into Gallaudet University
How to get into Gallaudet: the world's only university built specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing students
58.1%
Acceptance rate
$19,654
In-state cost
What makes Gallaudet University admissions different
Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, is the only liberal arts university in the world designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. All instruction happens in American Sign Language. Acceptance rate around 58%. Hearing students can apply but typically attend through the Hearing Undergraduate program (a smaller cohort, around 5% of undergrads). Federally chartered and significantly federally funded — tuition is meaningfully lower than peer private universities.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the Gallaudet application by the published deadlines (priority February 15, regular April 15). Decisions are rolling.
- 2.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants: submit audiological documentation as part of the application.
- 3.
Hearing applicants: submit ASL proficiency evidence (course transcripts, ASLPI score, or willingness to enroll in intensive ASL training). The Hearing Undergraduate program has additional requirements.
- 4.
Submit your high school transcript. Test-optional.
- 5.
Apply for the Gallaudet Scholar Program and other competitive merit awards. The Gallaudet Scholar Program is the top academic award.
- 6.
Indicate interest in the Honors Program on the application.
- 7.
File the FAFSA. Federal funding makes Gallaudet financially accessible for many students.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Hearing applicants underestimating the ASL fluency expectation. Gallaudet's academic experience requires functional ASL — plan time for intensive language acquisition.
- ✕
Missing the February priority deadline. Scholarship consideration is meaningfully better for priority applicants.
- ✕
Not researching the New Signers Program or English Language Institute pathways if your ASL or English is not yet at college level.
- ✕
Skipping the FAFSA. Federal aid is the primary lever for keeping cost low.
The specifics for Gallaudet University
Application deadlines
- Priority ApplicationFebruary 15, 2026
- Regular ApplicationApril 15, 2026
What makes this admissions process distinctive
ASL-immersive academic environment
All instruction at Gallaudet happens in American Sign Language. The only liberal arts university in the world designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Federally chartered
Gallaudet is federally chartered and significantly federally funded — tuition is meaningfully lower than peer private universities.
Notable scholarships at Gallaudet University
Gallaudet Scholar Program
Top academic award based on the admission application.
What graduates actually do
Gallaudet is the world's only liberal arts university specifically designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, with bilingual instruction in American Sign Language and English. Its alumni dominate Deaf community leadership, Deaf education, ASL interpretation/scholarship, and disability rights advocacy. Alumni occupy senior positions at the National Association of the Deaf, schools for the deaf nationwide, and federal disability agencies. The Deaf President Now movement of 1988 cemented Gallaudet's role in the Deaf civil rights movement.
Notable alumni
- I. King Jordan — First deaf president of Gallaudet
- Marlee Matlin — Academy Award-winning actor (attended)
- Andrew Foster — Educator, established schools for the deaf in Africa
- Robert Davila — Former Gallaudet President/U.S. Education official
- Bernard Bragg — Actor/founder of National Theatre of the Deaf
Transfer pathway
Gallaudet welcomes transfer students who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or hearing (with proficiency in or commitment to learning ASL). The university accepts transfers from community colleges, four-year institutions, and deaf-serving programs nationwide. Minimum 2.5 GPA. ASL proficiency is assessed; students may be required to complete intensive ASL preparation. Up to 60 credits transfer from two-year colleges.
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
Gallaudet is a target for deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants who want a fully ASL-immersive academic experience. For hearing applicants with strong ASL background and interest in deaf studies, education, or interpreting, the Hearing Undergraduate program is a unique pathway. The financial aid math is favorable due to federal funding.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.