NTID at a Glance

LBJ Building at NightThe National Technical Institute for the Deaf is one of the nine colleges of Rochester Institute of Technology, a leading career-oriented, technological university recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's "Best College Values," and by The Princeton Review as one of the top 20 colleges nationwide for "Best Career Services." More than 14,000 undergraduate students from around the world, including more than 1,300 who are deaf or hard of hearing, come to campus every year to take advantage of the benefits of an RIT/NTID education.

The opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing students at RIT/NTID are unmatched by any university in the world. Career-focused programs that reflect the needs of today's employers, work experience gained through the university's cooperative education program, faculty who specialize in educating deaf and hard-of-hearing students, outstanding graduation and job placement rates, and unparalleled access and support services all set RIT/NTID apart. 

Students looking for a superior education and a truly unique college experience will find it here at RIT/NTID. But don't just take our word for it. Take a close look and come visit, so you can see firsthand why RIT/NTID is the perfect place for you!

Mission Statement

The primary mission of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf is to provide deaf and hard-of-hearing students with outstanding state-of-the-art technical and professional education programs, complemented by a strong arts and sciences curriculum, that prepare them to live and work in the mainstream of a rapidly changing global community and enhance their lifelong learning.

Secondarily, NTID prepares professionals to work in fields related to deafness; undertakes a program of applied research designed to enhance the social, economic and educational accommodation of deaf people; and shares its knowledge and expertise through outreach and other information dissemination programs.

CHARACTER

World’s first and largest technological college for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. One of nine colleges of Rochester Institute of Technology, a privately endowed, coeducational university that is student-centered and career-focused.

HISTORY

Formally established in 1965 through an Act of Congress (PL89-36). Began operation in 1967 at RIT, with first students in 1968. RIT was founded in 1829.

RIT CAMPUS

Occupies 1,300 acres in suburban Rochester, N.Y., the third largest city in New York State. RIT also has international campuses in Eastern Europe and Dubai.

ENROLLMENT

Total of 1,529 students enrolled as of fall 2012. Undergraduate: 1,269 deaf and hard-of-hearing students, 167 hearing students (enrolled in ASL-English Interpretation program). Graduate: 93 students (56 hearing, deaf and hard-of-hearing in the Master of Science program in Secondary Education of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and 37 deaf and hard-of-hearing in the other colleges of RIT). These students study and reside on a campus that includes 16,600 students studying at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels.

MALE/FEMALE RATIO

51 percent male, 49 percent female

DIVERSITY

Of the 1,529 students enrolled, 34.0 percent are minority students and 3.3 percent are international students, representing 16 different countries.

RESIDENCE LIFE

Most undergraduates live in campus residence halls, apartments and townhouses. On-campus fraternities, sororities and special-interest houses also are available. Freshmen are guaranteed housing.

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Major social events and activities are sponsored by the College Activities Board, Residence Halls Association, sororities, fraternities and special interest clubs of many kinds. There are more than 200 student clubs and organizations on campus. NTID's Student Life Team also sponsors a variety of co-curricular educational programs.

CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY

Extensive wireless computer access, dozens of smart classrooms with state-of-the-art computers and multimedia-based technologies, microcomputer labs, computer graphics and computer-aided drafting labs, microelectronics and computer engineering facilities, digital printing presses, a laser optics lab, robotics program, a distance learning/access demonstration lab and fully networked residence halls equipped with strobe lights and telephone amplifiers.

RESEARCH

Integrated research program of national and international prominence, focusing on teaching and learning; communication; technology, access and support services; and employment and adaptability to social changes and the global workplace.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

In keeping with a career education focus, most RIT/NTID degree programs require students to complete at least one cooperative work assignment for experience in their chosen profession before graduation.

PLACEMENT

Over the past five years, 91 percent of deaf and hard-of-hearing students who have sought jobs after graduation have found one within a year.

COMMUNICATION/SUPPORT

NTID instructors use a variety of communication strategies while teaching, which may include sign language, spoken language (FM systems are available), finger spelling, printed/visual aids and Web-based instructional materials. Support and access services for classes throughout the other colleges of RIT may include notetaking, tutoring, real-time captioning services and the largest interpreting staff for a college program in the United States.

ANNUAL EXPENSES

For Undergraduate/U.S. Citizens (2012-2013):

  •   Tuition: $12,393
  •   Room: $6,309
  •   Board: $4,491
  •   Fees: $474
  •   Total*: $23,667

*Freshman undergraduate NTID students, add $200 for orientation fees; transfer undergraduate NTID students add $80 for orientation fees; full-time Photo/Print students are charged a quarterly CIAS facilities fee of $96.

FINANCIAL AID

A combination of institutional grants and scholarships, federal and state grants, private scholarships and Vocational Rehabilitation are available to students in need. Average aid per domestic student in FY 2012 is $10,947, not including loans or federal work study.

ACADEMIC YEAR

Currently operates within a quarter system with the typical academic year consisting of fall, winter and spring quarters. Effective September 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar to a semester system with the typical academic year including fall and spring semesters.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

Students enrolled at NTID can earn associate degrees in 20 accredited programs. Qualified deaf and hard-of-hearing students also can earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees in more than 200 programs offered by RIT’s other colleges: Applied Science and Technology, Business, Computing and Information Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences and Technology, Imaging Arts and Sciences, Liberal Arts and Science.