Gallaudet University vs Howard University
Howard University is very selective with a 34.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Gallaudet University (60.9%). Graduates of Howard University earn $19,965 more per year at the 10-year mark ($63,066 vs $43,101). For families earning $48k–$75k, Gallaudet University is more affordable at $14,236 net price vs $50,245. Students at Gallaudet University graduate with less debt ($18,000 vs $24,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Gallaudet University has a higher yield rate (57.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Howard University has a higher median SAT (1200 vs 820).
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Gallaudet University is more affordable at $14,129 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $18,318 vs $54,270.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Gallaudet University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (54%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Gallaudet University
- 1 American Sign Language$39,729
- 2 Health and Physical Education/Fitness$29,685
- 3 Biology, General$25,194
Howard University
- 1 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions$91,744
- 2 Chemical Engineering$84,653
- 3 Computer Systems Analysis$82,440
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$80,041
- 5 Management Information Systems and Services$70,456
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Gallaudet University
- 1 Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Communication and Media Studies
- 4 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 5 American Sign Language
Howard University
- 1 Biology, General
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- 5 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Gallaudet University
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$16,512
- Est. total cost/year$31,966
- School typePublic
Howard University
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$26,464
- Est. total cost/year$44,090
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Gallaudet University or Howard University?
Howard University is more selective with a 34.9% acceptance rate, compared to 60.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Gallaudet University or Howard University?
Howard University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $63,066 compared to $43,101. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Gallaudet University or Howard University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Gallaudet University has a lower net price at $14,236 per year vs $50,245. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Gallaudet University vs Howard University?
Howard University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 69.3%, compared to 46.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Gallaudet University or Howard University?
Howard University has a larger international student population at 5% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Gallaudet University and Howard University?
At Gallaudet University, American Sign Language graduates earn a median of $39,729 within two years. At Howard University, the top-earning major is Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at $91,744. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.