Gallaudet University's importance in the American and Global educational landscape cannot be overstated. As a top university for deaf and hard-hearing students, it's undoubtedly one of the most inclusive universities in the world. Higher education isn't just for those without any ailments or impairments. Gallaudet University proves that even those with disabilities deserve proper education too. Hence, it's also one of the top schools in Washington D.C., which is saying something because this is also the city of Georgetown University, Howard University, and more. Despite such rough rivals, the school still stands out amongst the rest.
Source: Gallaudet University Facebook Page
History of Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University students have philanthropist and former United States postmaster general Amos Kendall to thank for the institution of their school. In 1856, Kendall noticed that several blind and deaf children in
Washington D.C. were not receiving proper care. As such, he donated over two acres of his land to establish both housing and a school. The following year, in 1857, the 34th Congress passed H.R. 806, which chartered the grammar school and finally established the world's first school specifically dedicated to teaching students with disabilities. Moreover, the school was named after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a prominent figure in the advancement of deaf education.
What Does Gallaudet University Look Like?
Gallaudet University is located along Florida Avenue in the northwest quadrant of the American capital. Though it's fairly near the Downtown area and many of the other
central neighborhoods of Washington D.C., it's tucked away in its own corner of the city. In fact, the area where the campus is has come to be known as the Gallaudet College Historic District and has even been added to the National Register of Historic Places. It helps that the school has retained many of its original, old-world buildings, so much so that the district looks like a town in Europe.
Source: Gallaudet University Facebook Page
The Gallaudet University Student Body
Despite how big its campus is, Gallaudet University has a relatively small student body. Nowadays, the school welcomes over 1,500 students per year, composed of both new enrollees and those returning who have yet to graduate. At the same time, this student body is made up of around 900 undergraduates and over 600 postgraduates, fairly the same as many other schools in Washington D.C. and beyond. International students are also welcome in this school. Their percentage varies year to year and they mostly come from over 40 different countries around the world.
Gallaudet University's Best Programs and Courses
Gallaudet University's diversity doesn't just relate to its student body. Its best academic programs are pretty varied too. From Business Management and Marketing to Liberal Arts, Gender Studies, and Foreign Languages, the school offers extensive courses that relate to different industries. This only goes to show that just because the university specifically caters to students with disabilities, its academic programs remain similar to other top schools in Washington D.C. or any other big city out there. Many businesses even have their eyes on the school too, the same way they're focused on the graduates from Ivy League Schools and the like.
Source: Gallaudet University Facebook Page
Gallaudet University’s Prerequisites
Is it easy to get into Gallaudet University? Compared to other top schools in Washington D.C., yes it is! The school has a 61% acceptance rate, which means more than half of its yearly applicants get in. But what does one need to get accepted? For one thing, there are the standard prerequisites—at least a high school diploma for undergraduate applicants or a Bachelor's degree in any related field for postgraduate applicants. There are also your standardized test scores. Applicants should have an SAT score between 750 and 933 or an ACT score of around 14 to 18.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at Gallaudet University?
While Gallaudet University is fairly expensive, it's far from the highest-priced school in the American capital. Its undergraduate tuition, for example, costs about $19,658.00 per year, while its postgraduate tuition fees depend on various factors. American-born students, for example, have a tuition of around $10,071.00 per year. International students, on the other hand, have to pay tuition that ranges from $20,142.00 to $15,102.00 per year. How expensive it is will depend on where they're coming from, specifically if they're from a developed or developing country. On top of all that, there are $271.00 health services fees, $200.00 student activities fees, and a $212.00 technology fee.
Where is Gallaudet University in Washington D.C.?
As already mentioned, Gallaudet University is located along Florida Avenue in Washington D.C.'s northeast quadrant. The area is fairly close to Downtown D.C. and other notable neighborhoods, but the campus itself is tucked away in its own district. Fortunately, the area is a good mix of commercial establishments and a residential district, making it easy for any student to find a place to stay near the school. It also helps that the northeast quadrant has some of the finest
luxury homes in Washington D.C. for rent or purchase.
Source: Gallaudet University Facebook Page
Gallaudet University stands out as one of the best universities for deaf and hard-hearing students. Its dedication to teaching those with disabilities makes it one of the finest schools in Washington D.C. and the world!
