Overview of Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University, located in Washington, D.C., is a federally chartered university specializing in education and services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Established in 1864, Gallaudet is the world’s only university designed to be barrier-free for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The university’s mission is to provide a bilingual, diverse, and inclusive environment where deaf and hard-of-hearing students can pursue higher education and achieve academic and personal success.
Bilingual and Bicultural Education: Gallaudet University is known for its commitment to bilingual and bicultural education, recognizing both American Sign Language (ASL) and English as integral components of the educational experience. ASL is the primary language of instruction, and students are encouraged to engage in bilingual learning to develop proficiency in both ASL and written English.
The university’s approach to education reflects its commitment to empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals through a culturally affirming environment. Gallaudet’s unique setting allows students to communicate seamlessly with their peers, faculty, and staff using ASL, fostering a sense of community and understanding that goes beyond traditional educational models.
Academic Programs: Gallaudet University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. From liberal arts and sciences to professional fields, the university’s academic offerings are designed to meet the diverse interests and career goals of its students. The curriculum is enriched by a focus on deaf culture, diversity, and inclusivity, providing students with a well-rounded education.
Small class sizes and a supportive learning environment contribute to the success of Gallaudet students. The faculty, many of whom are deaf or hard of hearing, bring a unique perspective to the classroom, and their commitment to inclusive education is central to the university’s ethos.
Deaf Culture and Community: Gallaudet University is a hub for deaf culture and community. The campus serves as a vibrant and inclusive space where students can express themselves freely through sign language. The university actively promotes and celebrates deaf identity, history, and culture, fostering a strong sense of pride among its students.
Gallaudet’s commitment to community extends beyond the campus, engaging with the broader deaf community in Washington, D.C., and around the world. The university hosts events, conferences, and activities that contribute to the visibility and understanding of deaf culture. The presence of the Gallaudet community in the nation’s capital serves as a powerful advocate for the rights and recognition of deaf individuals.
Inclusive Campus Life: The campus life at Gallaudet is designed to be fully inclusive, recognizing and accommodating the diverse needs of its student body. The university provides a range of support services, including interpreting services, captioning, and assistive technologies, to ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing students have equal access to educational resources and opportunities.
Student organizations and clubs contribute to a vibrant campus life, offering a variety of extracurricular activities for students to explore their interests and engage with their peers. The university actively promotes leadership development and student involvement, encouraging students to take an active role in shaping their campus experience.
Research and Innovation: Gallaudet University is a center for research and innovation in the field of deaf education, linguistics, and related disciplines. The university’s research initiatives contribute to advancements in understanding the cognitive, linguistic, and cultural aspects of deafness. Faculty and students collaborate on research projects that have the potential to impact the broader community and improve the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
The National Deaf Education Center, housed at Gallaudet, plays a pivotal role in advancing research, providing resources, and offering professional development opportunities for educators and service providers in the field of deaf education.
Global Engagement: Gallaudet University actively engages with the global deaf community. The university welcomes international students, hosts international conferences, and collaborates with organizations and institutions worldwide to promote the rights and inclusion of deaf individuals. Through international partnerships and exchange programs, Gallaudet contributes to the global conversation on deaf education, language, and culture.
Accessibility and Advocacy: As a pioneer in deaf education and advocacy, Gallaudet University has played a crucial role in advancing the rights and visibility of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The university continues to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity, not only within its own community but also on a broader societal level.
Gallaudet’s commitment to advocacy is reflected in its active participation in national and international discussions on deaf rights, education, and accessibility. The university serves as a model for inclusive education and contributes to shaping policies that promote equity and representation for the deaf and hard-of-hearing population.
Gallaudet University stands as a unique and vital institution that has significantly contributed to the empowerment and advancement of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. With its commitment to bilingual education, inclusive campus life, research, global engagement, and advocacy, Gallaudet continues to play a transformative role in shaping the landscape of deaf education and promoting the rights and well-being of the deaf community. The university’s impact extends far beyond its campus, influencing the broader conversation on diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in higher education.
800 Florida Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 651-5750
Email: admissions.office@gallaudet.edu
Web site: http://www.gallaudet.edu
Rankings: Gallaudet University
Located in Washington, DC, Gallaudet University is one of the best universities in the Washington DC. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Gallaudet University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Gallaudet University.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.9 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 169 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 75.0% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 28.3% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 112 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | N/A |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | N/A |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | N/A |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | N/A |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 154 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | N/A |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | N/A |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | N/A |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | N/A |
| Financial resources rank: | 154 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 102 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 9.2% |
Essential Facts: Gallaudet University
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | N/A |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | N/A |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 18% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | dance, drama/theater, student government, student newspaper, student film society, yearbook |