Howard University vs Gallaudet University: which has better ROI?
Howard University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $202,156 in 13.7 years versus not at all at Gallaudet University, on median earnings of $63,066 vs $43,101 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Howard University | Gallaudet University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $50,539 | $15,845 |
| Total net cost | $202,156 | $63,380 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,066 | $43,101 |
| Median debt | $24,500 | $18,000 |
| Payback | 13.7 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $91,964 | -$168,560 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Howard University or Gallaudet University?
Gallaudet University, at $15,845 a year after aid versus $50,539 — a gap of $34,694 a year, or $138,776 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Howard University or Gallaudet University graduates earn more?
Howard University graduates report a median $63,066 ten years after entry, $19,965 more than the $43,101 at Gallaudet University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Howard University or Gallaudet University?
Gallaudet University: its completers carry a median $18,000 in federal loans versus $24,500 at Howard University, a difference of $6,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at Howard University, against 47% at Gallaudet University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.