Top Universities for Deaf Students

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:

1. Gallaudet University

   Founded in 1856, Gallaudet University is renowned as the institution that introduced American Sign Language (ASL) to the world. It stands as the premier institution in the United States for deaf and hard of hearing students, offering over 150 years of expertise in visual learning, visual language, and advocacy for full rights and social justice within the community. 
   
   Gallaudet offers students a comprehensive liberal arts education while maintaining an intimate campus atmosphere. The university is renowned for placing students at the forefront of research and exploration in the deaf and hard of hearing community. It boasts a robust curriculum tailored to deaf studies, ASL programs, sign language interpretation and translation, and more, offering degrees ranging from certificates to doctorates.

2. Rochester Institute of Technology (RTI)

   Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Institute for the Deaf is committed to fostering a dynamic network of successful deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals worldwide. Providing top-notch education and career-focused programs, NTID empowers students to excel in their academic pursuits and prepares them for life beyond college. As one of the few leading U.S. universities specializing in deaf and hard of hearing education, NTID offers a vibrant sense of community that enriches the college experience for all students.

3. Howard College

   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.

4. University of Michigan

   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.

5. University of Southern California

   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.