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University of the District of Columbia vs Gallaudet University: which has better ROI?

Public, Washington DC · vs · Private nonprofit, Washington DC

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of the District of Columbia comes closer — median earnings $44,236 against a $21,296 total, vs $43,101 at Gallaudet University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of the District of ColumbiaGallaudet University
Net price / yr$10,648$15,845
Total net cost$21,296$63,380
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,236$43,101
Median debt$24,872$18,000
Payback——
20-year net return-$103,776-$168,560

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of the District of Columbia or Gallaudet University?

University of the District of Columbia, at $10,648 a year after aid versus $15,845 — a gap of $5,197 a year, or $42,084 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of the District of Columbia or Gallaudet University graduates earn more?

University of the District of Columbia graduates report a median $44,236 ten years after entry, $1,135 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, University of the District of Columbia or Gallaudet University?

Gallaudet University: its completers carry a median $18,000 in federal loans versus $24,872 at University of the District of Columbia, a difference of $6,872. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

47% of students finish at Gallaudet University, against 33% at University of the District of Columbia. 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.

University of the District of Columbia vs Gallaudet University: frequently asked questions

Is University of the District of Columbia or Gallaudet University a better value?
University of the District of Columbia comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, University of the District of Columbia or Gallaudet University?
University of the District of Columbia: $10,648/yr net price after aid versus $15,845/yr at Gallaudet University — a difference of $5,197 a year, or about $42,084 over four years.
Do University of the District of Columbia or Gallaudet University graduates earn more?
University of the District of Columbia graduates earn a median $44,236 ten years after entry, versus $43,101 at Gallaudet University — a $1,135 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.