Understanding Gallaudet University Tuition and Fees

Gallaudet University, a renowned institution with a focus on accessibility, strives to make education affordable for all families. This article delves into the various aspects of tuition, fees, and financial aid options available at Gallaudet University, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective students and their families.

The Cost of Attendance: Understanding the Sticker Price

The "Cost of Attendance" represents the total amount of money the average student has to pay to attend Gallaudet University before any financial aid is applied. Think of it as the school's sticker price. This figure includes tuition and fees.

Gallaudet University's tuition is $20,206, which is lower compared to the national average cost of tuition of $47,097. These figures encompass both tuition and fees. Fees may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.

Breaking Down the Costs

As you compare the costs of different institutions, it's essential to consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost includes the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Gallaudet University, the total cost amounts to $43,298.

Here's a breakdown of other costs you might encounter:

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Books and Supplies: \$1,760 per year
Personal Expenses: \$4,400 per year
Transportation: \$1,760 per year

Net Price: What You'll Actually Pay

The Net Price is the total cost minus the total aid given. In other words, this is the price you have to pay to the school out of pocket.

The average net price at Gallaudet University is \$15,025 per year. Your net price is specific to you because it's based on your personal circumstances and the college's financial aid policies. For the most accurate estimate, use the college's Net Price calculator.

Financial Aid: Making Gallaudet Affordable

Gallaudet University is committed to enrolling qualified students from all backgrounds. Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. These packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges, including Gallaudet, determine financial need based on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Key Financial Aid Statistics

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 90.72%
Average Aid Package Awarded: \$32,771
Freshmen With Need Who Received Financial Aid: 100%
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award (First-year Students): \$22,905
Average Need-Based Self-Help Aid Awarded to First-Year Students: \$1,383
Average Non-Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Awarded to First-Year Students: \$7,784
Percentage of Students’ Financial Aid Need Met: 73%

Types of Financial Aid Available

Need-Based Scholarships and Grants: These do not need to be paid back.
Need-Based Loans: These must be paid back. The average need-based loan amount is \$1,834.
Merit-Based Aid: Awarded for specific talents or academic achievements.
Work-Study Programs: Allow students to earn money while in school.

Important Financial Aid Dates

Financial Aid Application Due: Not available
Priority Application Due: Not available
Notification Date: Not available
Response Due: Not available

Understanding Scholarships

Scholarships are a form of funding that you don't need to pay back. Need-based scholarships consider a student's financial status, while merit-based scholarships are awarded for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent's employer or military affiliation.

Many Gallaudet students receive outside scholarships, institutional endowed scholarships, support from their state's VR funding, and government loans. All newly admitted undergraduates are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships by the Admissions Office.

Loans and Debt at Graduation

Student loan debt can significantly impact your financial life after college. Ideally, your total student loan debt should be less than your anticipated starting salary after graduation.

Median Federal Loan Debt Among Borrowers: \$18,000
Median Monthly Federal Loan Payment: \$191 (assuming a 10-year repayment at 5.05% interest)
Students Taking Out Private Loans: 4%
Average Private Loan Debt at Graduation: \$38,311
Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class: \$22,735
Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (Any Loan Type, 2024): 39%
Gallaudet graduates leave college with 67% less debt than the national average.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) provides services and funding to deaf and hard of hearing individuals to help them obtain full-time employment. Each state manages its own VR resources, but in many cases, VR funding can be applied toward higher education.

After establishing a relationship with your state's VR agency, connect them with Gallaudet's internal specialists to explore potential funding options.

Additional Fees and Considerations

Student Activities Fee: Supports co-curricular and non-academic student activities designed to enhance the student experience.
Technology Fee: Charged to every current and active student each academic period and is used for the provision of technology platforms, services, and equipment.
Health Service Fee: Required for all full-time undergraduate and graduate students for fall and spring semesters. All current registered students are eligible to use the Student Health Service. All full-time undergraduates, graduates, and English Language Institute students are required to either opt- into the Gallaudet Student Health Insurance Plan or waive the health insurance requirement by completing the waiver on the Gallaudet health insurance vendor portal. All students are encouraged to carry their own health insurance when attending school on campus.

Financial Planning and Resources

Gallaudet University's financial aid counselors are available for one-on-one counseling to help you develop a financial plan that’s best for you. Student Financial Services is managed by the Finance Office. Students may pay their tuition and fees online via Transact.

International Students

These reflect the 100% tuition surcharge for students from Non-Developing countries and 75% tuition surcharge for students from Developing countries. This reflects the international surcharge at 100% for students from non-developing countries and 50% for students from developing countries.

Read also: Affording ECU

Is Gallaudet University a Good Value?

Gallaudet University strives to make college affordable for all families with one of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation.

On college ranking lists, Gallaudet University often ranks between #100 and 200, putting it roughly in the top 20% of schools. On value rankings lists, Gallaudet University doesn't often appear, which may mean that, compared to other schools of similar reputation, Gallaudet may have a higher net price and offer less competitive financial aid. Overall, many consider Gallaudet University a good value school that is worth the cost.

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