Hampton University logo

Hampton University

Hampton, VA Private ยท Suburban www.hamptonu.edu
Accept Rate
48.27%
Grad Rate
50.5%
Enrollment
3,254
Avg SAT
1062
Tuition
$29,162
Median Salary
$59,159
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C+
Value
B-
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Hampton University offers a prestigious and disciplined atmosphere, often described as a 'family' environment with a strong sense of history and tradition. The campus feels like a tight-knit community where school spirit and academic ambition are deeply intertwined, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Hampton River.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

48.27%
Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 106275th Pctl
8571226
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctl75th Pctl
1224
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your leadership experience and community involvement in your application, as Hampton values well-rounded students who contribute to campus life. Given the 48% acceptance rate, aim for an SAT score above 1062 and a strong GPA to strengthen your candidacy for merit-based scholarships.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1062
40080012001600
School range: 857โ€“1226

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Hampton is renowned for its strong programs in business, STEM, and health professions, backed by dedicated faculty who provide personalized attention. Students benefit from hands-on research opportunities, particularly through partnerships with nearby NASA Langley Research Center and the National Institutes of Health.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
20.6%
Biology & Biomedical
12.9%
Psychology
9.3%
Health Professions
7.5%
Criminal Justice
6.4%
Communications
6.2%
Social Sciences
6%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
6%
Engineering
4.1%
Computer Science
3.5%
Education
2.6%
Transportation
2.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

50.5%
Graduation Rate
84.8%
Retention Rate
3,254
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$29,162
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$32,145
After financial aid
Total Cost
$45,968
Cost of attendance/year
38.1%
Receive Pell Grants
56.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Hampton

Students enjoy the coastal location by spending time at nearby beaches like Buckroe, kayaking on the Chesapeake Bay, and exploring the historic Hampton Roads area. On campus, life revolves around student organizations, Greek life, and athletic events, with easy access to nearby Norfolk and Virginia Beach for weekend entertainment.

Local Rent Check

$910 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Hampton
Explore Hampton

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$116,648
$0Est. 4 Years: $116,648

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,159):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe with its own police force and well-lit pathways, though standard urban precautions are advised. The suburban setting of Hampton provides a quieter environment compared to major cities, but students should remain aware of their surroundings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong alumni network and career support, especially in business and STEM fields
  • โœ“ Beautiful, historic campus with a tight-knit community feel
  • โœ“ Flat tuition rate benefits both in-state and out-of-state students
  • โœ“ Prime location near major military, tech, and healthcare employers

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 50.5% is below the national average
  • โœ— Higher net price compared to some public state schools
  • โœ— Suburban location may feel isolated for students seeking a big-city vibe

Notable Alumni

Booker T. Washington
Influential educator, author, and founder of the Tuskegee Institute; a leading figure in African American history.
Wanda Sykes
Emmy-winning comedian, actress, and writer known for her sharp wit and roles in TV and film.
Alberta Williams King
Mother of Martin Luther King Jr. and a significant influence in the civil rights movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton University is a historically black university (HBCU) known for its rigorous academic programs in business, biology, psychology, and health professions. It is also recognized for its strong emphasis on leadership development, research opportunities, and a distinguished alumni network.

Hampton has a moderately selective acceptance rate of 48.27%. While not as competitive as some elite institutions, it looks for well-rounded applicants. The average SAT score is 1062, so students near or above this range have a strong chance of admission.

Campus life at Hampton is vibrant and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on tradition, school spirit, and student involvement. Students enjoy a range of activities from Greek life and athletics to cultural events, all within a supportive, family-like atmosphere.

Hampton can be a worthwhile investment, especially for students pursuing high-earning fields like business or health professions. With a 10-year median earnings of $59,159 and a net price of $32,145, the ROI is favorable, particularly when factoring in the value of its strong alumni network and career services.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

NASA Langley Research Center Sentara Healthcare Newport News Shipbuilding Hampton Roads Sanitation District Canon USA
Smart Start Score
61

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 3,322
  • In-State Tuition $29,162
  • Zip Code 23668

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 32.3% โ™€ 67.7%

The Money Talk

With a net price of $32,145 and a median 10-year earnings of $59,159, the return on investment is moderate but solid, especially for high-demand majors. The flat tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students adds value, and with 38% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is committed to making education accessible.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Morehouse College

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $29,162
Housing (12 mo) $10,920
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $47,282
With avg financial aid:
$32,145/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.