College Matters: New Research Shows Better Outcomes for Deaf People Who Continue Their Education

Published on March 8, 2021

This image shows a woman sitting in front of a laptop and making a note in a notebook. She is wearing a yellow shirt and has short hair. She looks happy and smiling.

Deaf people who attended college, university, trade school, or other postsecondary training did better in life — regardless of whether or not they graduated. This is according to a new paper published in the American Annals of the Deaf by researchers from the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes and SRI International.

NDC researchers Jeffrey Palmer, Savannah Davidson, and Stephanie W. Cawthon, in collaboration with Lynn Newman from SRI International, analyzed national data about the experiences of deaf students after high school. They compared students who did not enroll in college, those who enrolled but did not complete their program, and those who graduated.

College Matters, With or Without a Degree

Young deaf adults who earned a degree or certificate were more likely to be employed, earn higher wages, vote in elections, and to volunteer and engage in community service, including participating in organized groups.

In contrast, high school graduates were more likely to be unemployed, more likely to receive federal income assistance, and earned the least out of the three groups.

But it wasn’t just those who graduated college who benefited — any postsecondary experience paid off in the long run. Those who sought some education or training after high school, but did not graduate had similar outcomes to those who graduated from such a program.

The Bottom Line

Deaf students should explore a variety of opportunities after high school, and be encouraged to attend college, university, trade school, or other additional training after graduation.

Transition specialists, career counselors, families, and caregivers need to hold high expectations for deaf youth and abandon assumptions that only select deaf students can benefit from higher education.

Key Findings

  • 87% of the college graduates were employed compared to 68% of the high school graduates.

  • Wages were around 33% better for college graduates compared to high school graduates.

  • 75% of the college graduates and college non-completers were registered to vote.

  • 42% of the college graduates performed volunteer service compared to 16% of the high school graduates.

  • 95% of the high school graduates reported earning less than $25,000 per year.

  • 25% of the high school graduates received food assistance from the government.

Save This
Please login to bookmark Close
Tags: deaf at college, deaf success, postsecondary success

Other News Items

emergencypreparedness
January 7, 2025
All News, Resources and Initiatives
...Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere—and campuses across the country are seeing more and more crises. From gun violence and severe weather to health emergencies like COVID-19, these situations are becoming...
The image shows a smiling woman with curly hair sitting at a wooden table, working with both a smartphone and a notebook. She appears to be in a bright, cozy environment, with sunlight filtering through the window in the background. On the table in front of her, there is an open laptop, a cup of coffee, and a bouquet of flowers in a vase, adding a warm touch to the workspace. The background is enhanced by teal, light blue, and white abstract curves, which add a modern, dynamic feel to the image. The overall mood is one of productivity and positivity.
October 16, 2024
All News
...October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)—the perfect time to celebrate the incredible contributions people with disabilities make to the workforce. This year’s theme, “Access is Good Jobs for...
Three people stand looking at a large paper held by the personat the center. Each are wearing hard hats and reflective vests. There is building equipment behind them.
October 3, 2024
All News
...October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and it's the perfect time to shine a light on how high schools, training programs, colleges, and universities can help deaf students...

Need Help?

Fill out this form to get help from the NDC team.  Can’t see the form below? Click here to contact the NDC team.

National Deaf Center