American University vs Gallaudet University
American University is selective with a 47.4% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Gallaudet University (60.9%). Graduates of American University earn $38,092 more per year at the 10-year mark ($71,933 vs $33,841). For families earning $48k–$75k, Gallaudet University is more affordable at $16,439 net price vs $27,374. Students at Gallaudet University graduate with less debt ($18,935 vs $23,250).
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. American University has a higher median SAT (1380 vs 820).
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 $14,948 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $52,924 vs $30,626.
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.
American University
- 1 Computer Science$73,635
- 2 Accounting and Related Services$66,014
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$55,512
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$48,725
- 5 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication$48,432
Gallaudet University
- 1 American Sign Language$39,729
- 2 Health and Physical Education/Fitness$29,685
- 3 Biology, General$25,194
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.
American University
- 1 International Relations and National Security Studies
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 4 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- 5 Criminal Justice and Corrections
Gallaudet University
- 1 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- 4 Social Work
- 5 American Sign Language
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.
American University
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$50,542
- Est. total cost/year$66,315
- School typePublic
Gallaudet University
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$16,512
- Est. total cost/year$31,966
- 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 American University or Gallaudet University?
American University is more selective with a 47.4% acceptance rate, compared to 60.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: American University or Gallaudet University?
American University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $71,933 compared to $33,841. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: American University or Gallaudet University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Gallaudet University has a lower net price at $16,439 per year vs $27,374. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at American University vs Gallaudet University?
American University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 79.1%, compared to 43.6%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: American University or Gallaudet University?
American University has a larger international student population at 10% 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 American University and Gallaudet University?
At American University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $73,635 within two years. At Gallaudet University, the top-earning major is American Sign Language at $39,729. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.