Gallaudet University is a private, federally chartered institution located in Washington, D.C., dedicated to the education of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Established in 1864 as a grammar school for both deaf and blind children, it holds the distinction of being the world’s first institution to offer advanced education specifically designed for the deaf and hard of hearing. Today, it remains the only higher education institution where all programs and services are tailored to meet the needs of these students. While undergraduate admissions primarily focus on deaf and hard-of-hearing students, a small number of hearing students are also admitted each year, particularly in the graduate school. The university is named after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a pioneer in deaf education.
What is the Gallaudet University US News National Rankings 2025?
Gallaudet University ranks 214 according to the US News National Rankings 2025.
As an officially bilingual institution, Gallaudet University incorporates both American Sign Language (ASL) and written English in its instruction and campus life. While undergraduate programs do not require specific ASL proficiency for admission, many graduate programs mandate varying levels of ASL knowledge as a prerequisite. Gallaudet is classified among "Doctoral/Professional Universities," reflecting its range of advanced degree offerings and professional programs.
Academics
Gallaudet University offers a diverse range of programs and majors, with the five most popular being business, visual and performing arts, communication studies, physical education, and psychology. The university also provides 30 graduate programs across ten departments, along with continuing education courses available both online and on campus. Impressively, over 90 percent of classes at Gallaudet have fewer than 20 students, creating an intimate and focused learning environment. The university's freshman retention rate ranges from 69 to 77 percent, while the four-year graduation rate is between 17 and 27 percent. For students entering between 2008 and 2012, the six-year graduation rate falls between 43 and 53 percent.
Classes at Gallaudet are conducted entirely in American Sign Language (ASL) with no spoken English, and the curriculum materials are accessible in both ASL and English. The university’s classrooms are designed with a strong emphasis on visual communication, following the principles of DeafSpace. For example, desks are arranged in a circle to ensure everyone—students and professors alike—can see each other during discussions. Professors use light signals to gain students’ attention, further enhancing the visually oriented learning experience.
What is the Gallaudet University US News National Rankings 2025?
Gallaudet University ranks 214 according to the US News National Rankings 2025.
Gallaudet University Global Ranking
The University is still awaiting its official rankings from prominent organisations such as QS, Times Higher Education, and US News and World Report. Despite its growing reputation and contributions to academia, the university has not yet been featured in the rankings published by these influential bodies. But it has been ranked at #214 in national universities of the U.S. News in 2025.
Although the University continues to develop its academic programs and research initiatives, it remains unranked by these major international ranking institutions. The absence of a ranking from QS, Times Higher Education, and US News does not reflect the quality of education or research output but simply indicates that the university has not been formally assessed by these specific agencies.
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Frequently asked questions on Gallaudet University Ranking 2025
1: When can one receive his/her admission decision?
A: Timing of admissions decisions varies. In best case scenarios, it could take as little as 48 hours post-application, but in most cases, it takes a little longer. We are committed to reviewing each application holistically.
2: What happens after someone applies?
A: We conduct an individualized holistic review of each applicant, and this takes some time to complete. We recognize that students would like to receive a decision on their application as soon as possible, and we appreciate your patience. Please know that our timeline is designed to ensure careful consideration of each applicant.