When it comes to catering to the needs of deaf and hard of hearing students, most colleges and universities leave much to be desired. That’s why, for hard of hearing high schoolers, finding a college with systems in place to properly help them reach their educational goals can be a real challenge. Finding a sense of community is vitally important to the college experience. If you or someone you love is ready to take the next step in higher education, don’t settle! Take the time to find a school that meets ALL of your needs—both academic and social.
Check out these top 5 universities for deaf and hard of hearing students:
Originally founded in 1856, Gallaudet University is the United States’ predominant institution for deaf and hard of hearing students. With more than 150 years of experience in visual learning, visual language and advocation for full rights and social justice for the deaf and hard of hearing community, Gallaudet offers students the education of a major comprehensive liberal arts university—all while maintaining an intimate campus feeling.
Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Institute for the Deaf offers deaf and hard of hearing students a top tier education while simultaneously providing them with career-focused programs in preparation for life after college. One of just three major U.S. universities focused on deaf and hard of hearing education, NTID offers students a unique sense of community during their college years.
Howard College’s SouthWest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf is the country’s only self-contained community college educational environment serving deaf and hard of hearing students. Regardless of their background, students attending SWCID enjoy a barrier-free campus that empowers them to complete Associate degree and certificate programs that prepare them for their future careers.
As a major midwestern university, the University of Michigan has excelled at breaking the barriers that deaf and hard of hearing students usually experience on more traditional college campuses. The university’s office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) was founded in 1974 following the passage of the U.S.’ Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Since that time, the institution has continued to advocate and provide resources for deaf and hard of hearing students in a way that is largely unmatched by other major universities.
Much like the University of Michigan, the University of Southern California is a more traditional university that takes great strides to meet the needs of their deaf and hard of hearing students. The university’s Disability Services and Programs (DSP) have continually provided support for these students to develop their maximum academic potential while still maintaining a sense of independence in their college career.
From academics, to staff, to social support, there are a lot of factors that go into deciding your top college. When schools have standards in place that empower deaf and hard of hearing students, everyone wins. Find the university that matches your set of preferences and cares about your success, and you’ll have a great head start on furthering your education.
FAQs
Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English.
What is the #1 university for deaf people in the world? ›
The global leader in education for deaf & hard of hearing students, Gallaudet University is changing the world with a bilingual way of being.
Where do most deaf children go to school? ›
a residential Deaf school, or. a mainstream school, or. a mixed approach in which you mainstream your child for a part of their schooling and then send them to a residential Deaf school for the remainder (or the other way around), or. half-days split between a mainstream school and a residential Deaf school.
What are the 2 deaf colleges in the US? ›
By law, both NTID and Gallaudet University must charge approximately the same amount for tuition, because both receive federal funding. This ensures that deaf students will choose a college based on educational need rather than cost.
What is the biggest deaf school in America? ›
Gallaudet University
| Latin: Universitas Gallaudetensis |
|---|
| Students | 1,558 (Fall 2022) |
| Undergraduates | 914 (Fall 2022) |
| Postgraduates | 408 (Fall 2022) |
| Other students | 236 (Fall 2022) |
21 more rowsGallaudet is the world's only university designed to be barrier-free for deaf and hard of hearing students. For more than 150 years, Gallaudet University has led advances in education of deaf and hard of hearing students and deaf rights worldwide.
What is Gallaudet's acceptance rate? ›
Gallaudet University has an acceptance rate of 59%. Half the applicants admitted to Gallaudet University who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 753 and 1091 or an ACT score of 14 and 20.
Do you have to be deaf to go to Gallaudet University? ›
You can attend Gallaudet if you're hearing, but with a few conditions. The school admits a select group of hearing applicants who know American Sign Language into the HUG (Hearing Undergraduate) program.
What is the best country to be deaf in? ›
While Deaf illiteracy runs rampant elsewhere, Sweden (and certain places in Europe) is comparatively a Deaf Utopia.
What state is the American School for the Deaf? ›
139 North Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107
Founded in 1817, ASD was the first permanent school for the deaf in the US and is a nationally renowned leader in providing comprehensive educational programs and services for deaf/hard of hearing students.
The first deaf school in the world was established in Paris in 1760. Now, there are deaf schools around the world, with 49 residential schools and 47 day schools located in the United States.
What two educational options do deaf, hard of hearing students have? ›
Oral Day Schools or Sign Day Schools are schools that provide education for deaf or hard of hearing students, but they are day schools and the students return home each day. Oral Day Schools focus more on auditory and oral skills and do not incorporate sign language. Sign Day Schools do use sign language.
What is the best school for deaf students? ›
Originally founded in 1856, Gallaudet University is the United States' predominant institution for deaf and hard of hearing students.
What is the most common accommodation for deaf children? ›
While accommodations are individualized, some commonly used accommodations include:
- Assistive listening devices.
- Captioned media.
- Extended time.
- Glossaries or dictionaries.
- Individual administration.
- Frequent breaks.
- Sign language interpreters.
- Scribes to record signed or dictated responses.
51% of deaf people complete at least some college. The bachelor's degree completion gap between deaf and hearing people is 15.2%. Younger deaf people are more likely to complete high school than their older counterparts. Deafdisabled people demonstrate lower educational attainment levels.
Can deaf people go to normal college? ›
Yes. Deaf students can attend the same colleges as hearing people, including tuition-free colleges. Prospective Deaf students can access scholarships and grants designed for Deaf applicants that reduce their education costs to zero.
What is the world's largest technical college for deaf students? ›
The National Technical Institute for the Deaf is one of the nine colleges of Rochester Institute of Technology, and is home to the world's first and largest technological college for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
What degree do you need to teach deaf students? ›
To become a teacher of the deaf, you need a bachelor's degree, often in special education.
