Gallaudet University awards merit-based scholarships to deaf and hard of hearing students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and whose scholastic and personal achievements are exemplary. You will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of your admission. To be considered for the President's Distinguished Honors Scholarship or the President's Honors Scholarship, you must be admitted to Gallaudet University by May 15. The Provost's Excellence, Dean's Prestige, and Academic Recognition scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis.

You can assess your eligibility for merit-based scholarship awards by using our calculator. Please note that this is a preliminary determination, and not an official award. International, Online Degree Completion program, special student, second bachelor's degree, and hearing applicants are not eligible for merit-based scholarships. 

All scholarships are based on academic ability only. ACT or SAT test scores and GPA scores will be ranked from highest to lowest for scholarship review. Scholarship winners will then be notified by the Office of Admissions. Timely responses to offers of admission, and of merit-based scholarship awards, are important because of the limited number of available merit-based scholarships.

Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen and New Transfer Students

Award Requirements Amount Renewal Criteria

President's Distinguished Honors

Complete the Gallaudet undergraduate application form and submit all required materials by the priority deadline of February 15 for optimal consideration for honors scholarships. Applications received or completed after the priority deadline will be considered for admission although scholarship funds may not be available.

$20,000 annual award. Must be accepted into Honors.

Total Value for four consecutive years: $80,000
for three consecutive years: $60,000

(subject to change)
  • Enroll in 12 credits each semester
  • Maintain a 3.2 GPA and meet SAP*
  • Live in a residence hall**
  • Be active in Honors, if accepted into the Honors Program

President's Honors

Complete the Gallaudet undergraduate application form and submit all required materials by the priority deadline of February 15 for optimal consideration for honors scholarships. Applications received or completed after the priority deadline will be considered for admission although scholarship funds may not be available.

$12,000 annual award. Must be accepted to Honors.

Total Value for four consecutive years: $48,000
for three consecutive years: $36,000

(subject to change)
  • Enroll in 12 credits each semester
  • Maintain a 3.2 GPA and meet SAP*
  • Be active in Honors, if accepted into the Honors Program

Provost's Excellence

(without Honors)

$10,000 annual award
Total Value
for four consecutive years: $40,000
for three consecutive years: $30,000
  • Enroll in 12 credits each semester
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA and meet SAP*

Dean's Prestige Scholarship

(not eligible for Honors)

$8,000 annual award
Total Value
for four consecutive years: $32,000
for three consecutive years: $24,000
  • Enroll in 12 credits each semester
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA and meet SAP*

Academic Recognition

(not eligible for Honors)

$6,000 annual award
Total Value
for four consecutive years: $24,000
for three consecutive years: $18,000
  • Enroll in 12 credits each semester
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA and meet SAP*

* Must maintain satisfactory academic progress. See Academic Standards for Financial Aid policy.

** If you do not live in the residence halls, the dollar value of room/board will be subtracted from your award.

Find Out Your Merit Scholarship Eligibility