Financial Aid

Financial Aid – Graduate Students

First Floor, Sorenson Language and Communication Center
Email: financial.aid@gallaudet.edu
Website: https://gallaudet.edu/financial-aid/

Overview

Gallaudet University provides financial aid to students who demonstrate financial need in order to continue their postsecondary education. Financial aid is awarded to degree-seeking graduate students who are eligible for Title IV programs.

Financial Assistance Calculation

Financial need is determined using the following formula:

Financial Assistance Calculation:

Student Cost of Attendance (COA):

minus (-) student contribution (from FAFSA)
minus (-) other outside resources
equals (=) financial need for which aid may be awarded

The student contribution is calculated using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which considers taxable and nontaxable income and assets. All applicants for financial aid at Gallaudet must submit the FAFSA, which also serves as the application for federal Grad PLUS loans.

Students receiving vocational rehabilitation support should notify the Financial Aid Office immediately to ensure proper aid packaging.

Students may estimate college costs, savings plans, expected family contributions, and other financial information using the Gallaudet Tuition and Aid Calculator.

Educational Costs (2025–2026 COA)

Tuition & Fees

U.S. Students: $21,510 per academic year
International Students (Developing Countries): $31,571 per academic year
International Students (Non-Developing Countries): $41,633 per academic year

Room & Board

On-Campus Housing (Carlin Hall): $15,286 per academic year (based on the 150 Block meal plan)

Mandatory Fees

Health Services Fee: $271 per semester
Student Activities Fee: $200 per semester
Technology Fee: $212 per semester

Total Estimated Annual Cost Before Aid

U.S. Students: $36,267
International Students (Developing Countries): $46,328
International Students (Non-Developing Countries): $56,370

Note: These figures are estimates and actual costs may vary based on individual circumstances and choices.

Application Process

All graduate students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal or institutional need-based financial aid, including Grad PLUS loans and Federal Work-Study.

Prospective and currently enrolled students: Must submit a FAFSA annually to determine eligibility.
Award notifications and revisions for need-based aid are sent via email and Workday, where students may review their aid packages.

Application Deadlines:

FAFSA and all outstanding requirements must be completed four weeks before the last day of each term.
Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis; institutional funds may be exhausted before priority deadlines.
Applications received after priority deadlines are reviewed for federal grants, federal Grad PLUS loans, and federal work-study eligibility if requested.

Merit-Based Aid

Graduate merit-based awards are generally awarded by the student’s respective academic department, usually at the time of admission. Students must maintain the requirements outlined by their department to continue receiving these awards. All updates or changes to departmental merit awards are communicated by the Financial Aid Office as needed.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Graduate students must meet the following to receive Title IV programs (Federal Work-Study, Federal Grad PLUS Loans):

Be enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate program at Gallaudet University
Meet U.S. citizenship requirements
Make satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of a degree
Not be in default on a federal student loan
Not owe repayment on any federal grant or loan

Note: Except for unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, all federal programs are need-based.

Eligibility for University and Federal Aid Programs

Program	GR	U.S.	INT'L	F/T	H/T	P/T	REPAY	GIFT	DEG
Federal Work-Study (FWS)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔			✔	✔
Need-Based Aid	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔
Merit-Based Aid (GU)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔			✔	✔
Merit-Based Aid (Endowed/Donor)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔
Federal Student Loans (Unsubsidized)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔		✔		✔
Federal Grad PLUS Loans	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔		✔		✔
Private Loans	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔		✔

Abbreviation Key

Abbreviation	Meaning
GR	Graduate Student
U.S.	U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
INT'L	International Student
F/T	Full-time (9+ credits)
H/T	At least 6 credit hours
P/T	Less than 6 credit hours
REPAY	Loan, must be repaid
GIFT	Does not require repayment
DEG	Must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program
SPEC	Non-degree or not eligible for aid