Head-to-head · 2026
Gallaudet University vs Howard University
Compare average net price ($15,845 at Gallaudet University; $50,539 at Howard University), ROI score (6.80 vs 3.12), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($43,101 vs $63,066), and admissions selectivity (58.1% acceptance at Gallaudet University; 41.3% at Howard University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Gallaudet University | Howard University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.80 ✓ | 3.12 |
| Avg net price | $15,845 ✓ | $50,539 |
| 4-year avg net price | $63,380 ✓ | $202,156 |
| In-state tuition | $19,654 | $35,810 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,654 | $35,810 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $43,101 | $63,066 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 58.1% | 41.3% |
| Graduation rate | 47.3% | 70% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 71.1% | 90.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,000 ✓ | $24,500 |
| Enrollment | 812 | 10,108 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 868 | 1213 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Gallaudet University | Howard University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $14,129 ✓ | $46,051 |
| Family income $30–48k | $15,238 ✓ | $47,477 |
| Family income $48–75k | $14,236 ✓ | $50,245 |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,830 ✓ | $52,981 |
| Family income $110k+ | $18,318 ✓ | $54,270 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Gallaudet University | Howard University |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 8.7% | 3.3% |
| Psychology, General | 7.2% | 4.6% |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | 9.2% | 0.4% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5.5% | 3.6% |
| Political Science and Government | 1.5% | 6% |
| Biology, General | 1.2% | 5.9% |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | 6.7% | 0.3% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 3.5% | 2.4% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Gallaudet University reports the lower average net price by $34,694 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $138,776 difference over four years ($63,380 vs $202,156).
Howard University reports $19,965 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($63,066 vs $43,101). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 71.1% at Gallaudet University and 90.9% at Howard University. Median federal debt among completers is $18,000 vs $24,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Gallaudet University vs Howard University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Gallaudet University is cheaper — average net price $15,845 per year vs $50,539 at Howard University. The annual difference of $34,694 adds up to about $138,776 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Howard University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $63,066 vs $43,101 at Gallaudet University. The gap in the federal data is $19,965. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Howard University is more selective at 41.3% acceptance vs 58.1% at Gallaudet University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.
