About NTID

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf is one of the nine colleges of Rochester Institute of Technology, and is home to the world’s first and largest technological college for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Better opportunities. Bigger impact.

RIT/NTID is:

Unique. RIT/NTID serves more than 1,100 deaf and hard-of-hearing students from around the world, many of whom live, study, and work alongside hearing students on the mainstream RIT campus.

A place that levels the playing field. RIT/NTID is the most accessible college in the world for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT is one of only six universities in the nation that has been named a Microsoft Accessible University.

A community of people who mentor and inspire. RIT/NTID faculty and staff specialize in educating deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

An inclusive environment where you will find your fit. A community where you will feel comfortable and make meaningful connections with classmates, faculty, and staff and find a sense of belonging from the minute you step on campus.

Gerard Buckley

NTID has revolutionized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Everything we do is focused on providing the education and experiences these students need to pursue their goals and lead successful lives. 

Gerard Buckley
President NTID/Vice President and Dean RIT
585-475-6724

By the Numbers

Enrollment
Total 1,135
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students at NTID  
Undergraduate 382
Graduate 40
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students in other RIT Colleges  
Undergraduate 468
Graduate 56
Hearing Students at NTID  
Undergraduate 145
Graduate 44

 

The Right Fit

Our students come from all over the United States and the world, bringing with them a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. Many students attended mainstream schools. Others attended schools for the deaf. Some grew up in families where they were the only deaf or hard-of-hearing person. Others come from culturally Deaf families. Some prefer to communicate using spoken English. Other prefer sign language or a combination of speaking and signing. The bottom line is that here you’ll find other students like you. 

Who Are Our Students?

Photo of a male and female student enjoying food at Apple Fest

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At RIT, you'll find other students like you.

At RIT, you'll find other students like you. And you'll discover more about yourself than you ever knew.

Map with pins marking various locations

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Students' Home Region

49% Northeast

21% South

18% West

12% Midwest

2% International

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Type of High School Attended

61% Mainstream

39% School for the Deaf

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Degrees Our Students Are Pursuing

53% Bachelor's

15% Associate

16% Associate + Bachelor's

14% Graduate

2% Career Exploration Studies

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Ethnicity

55% White

17% Hispanic/Latino

13% Asian

 9% Black/African American

6% Two or More Races

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Gender

56% Female

44% Male

Photo of student working in a lab, wearing a hearing aid

%

Assistive Technology Use

43% Hearing Aids

23% Cochlear Implant

24% None

10% Both Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implant

Photo of male student using sign language

%

Communication Mode

37% Spoken Language

36% American Sign Language

21% Spoken Language and Sign Language

6% Other

Meet Some of Our Students

Bobby Moakley

Hometown Boston, Massachusetts
Major Environmental Science/Science, Technology and Public Policy
Preferred Communication Mode Spoken English and sign language

I am receiving an excellent education and incredible leadership experience that caters to both my general needs and specific needs as a deaf student. I found my identity here at RIT, and I have done things I have never imagined.

Amanda Inthavong

Hometown Berkeley, California
Major Graphic Design
Preferred Communication Mode American Sign Language

I chose RIT because I knew I wanted a school where I could be successful and be myself. RIT is known for technology and innovation, and also creativity, art, and design. This was the perfect place for me as a graphic design major.

Cortez Harris

Hometown Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Major Applied Liberal Arts/Criminal Justice
Preferred Communication Mode Spoken English and sign language

I knew I could have gone to other colleges and been successful, but RIT had all of the things on my checklist. Here I found a place to be me, and become the best leader I can be.

Baylee Trani

Hometown Huntington Beach, California
Major Psychology/School Psychology
Preferred Communication Mode Spoken English

RIT is already set up to accommodate hard-of-hearing and deaf students. Everyone is accepting and respectful, and I don’t feel like a bystander or feel out of place. With the guidance and acceptance I get here, it has shaped me into the person I want to become.

Printable Brochures

RIT/NTID Overview

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RIT/NTID Parent Brochure

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