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Hampton University

Hampton, VA | Private Nonprofit | University

Hampton University has an acceptance rate of 62.3%, annual tuition of $30,592, average net price of $25,319, and a national rank of #657 (Grade B), with a 57.2% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 3,727 undergraduates, and median earnings of $61,865 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

Hampton University is a private nonprofit university in Hampton, VA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.

Day to day, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 85.3% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.

EDsmart calculates return on investment at 54.9%, roughly 5.0 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

B
Ranking
#657 of 1,947
How We Rank Schools
At a Glance
Ranking
#657 of 1,947 (Top 33.7%)
Tuition
$30,592
Net Price
$25,319
4-Year Tuition
$122,368
Acceptance Rate
62.3%
Transfer Rate
33.3%
Student Population
3,727
Student-Faculty
15:1
Grad Rate (150% time)
57.2%
Grad Rate (8-year)
55.3%
Retention Rate
85.3%
4-Yr Earnings
$61,865
ROI
54.9%

Who is Hampton University Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

First-gen or Pell-eligible support
Students seeking strong career outcomes
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#657 of 1,947
Top 33.7% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
66.3 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
3.32 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
B
#631 of 1,947
Affordability
B-
#1,241 of 1,947
Support
B
#670 of 1,947
Career Outcomes
B
#734 of 1,947

Hampton University graduates 57.2% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 55.3% and keeps 85.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$32,101-$31,528 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Likely
57.2% graduate within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings). The College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 55.3%. 44.3% complete in four years (IPEDS 100% time).
What are job outcomes?
Highly likely
87.1% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings four years after graduation are $61,865. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Hampton University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$184,108
$46,027 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$112,695
$25,319 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 44.3% | 6-Year Rate: 57.2% | 8-Year Rate: 55.3%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 44.3% and six-year completion is 57.2%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$46,027
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$25,319
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $30,592
Books and Supplies $1,100
On-Campus Room and Board $14,308
On-Campus Other Expenses $2,800
Total On-Campus Cost $46,027

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
39.4%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 39.4% of Hampton University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$32,101
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$14,207
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$14,305
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$110,001+
$31,528
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $32,101 to $31,528 depending on family income. Use Hampton University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$144,454
$30K-$48K families
~$63,932
$48K-$75K families
~$64,372
$110K+ families
~$141,876

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
54.9%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $61,865
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $59,159
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $25,442
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 42.8%
  • Employment Rate 87.1%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Hampton University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $61,865 four years after graduation — roughly 2% above the national median.
Payback Period
1.82 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Hampton University vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Hampton University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Hampton University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: Hampton University graduates earn $61,865 median four years after graduation, +2% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
62.3%
Less Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 411-558
  • SAT Math 379-532
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 13-22
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 3,727
  • Full-Time Students 97.4%
  • Part-Time Students 2.6%
  • Retention Rate 85.3%
  • Grad Rate (150% time) 57.2%
  • Grad Rate (8-year) 55.3%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1

How to Get Into Hampton University

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Hampton University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 62.3%, Hampton University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 62.3% acceptance rate, Hampton University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 790 and 1090 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Hampton University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.

  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.1%
  • Psychology, General 11.9%
  • Biology, General 9.8%
  • Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 8.6%
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 5.7%
  • Journalism 5.2%
See more majors
  • Marketing 5.0%
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 4.2%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $80,664
  • 2. Accounting and Related Services $69,330
  • 3. English Language and Literature, General $67,678
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $59,837
  • 5. Political Science and Government $58,354
  • 6. Psychology, General $57,372
  • 7. Journalism $56,384
  • 8. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $52,445
  • 9. Criminal Justice and Corrections $52,065
  • 10. Biology, General $51,602

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $131,229
  • 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $94,701
  • 3. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $91,780
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $75,788
  • 5. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Master's Degree) $67,230
  • 6. Architecture (Master's Degree) $63,238
  • 7. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $54,520

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $80,664—56% more than Biology, General ($51,602). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $131,229 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Hampton University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 91 graduates)
  • Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 75 graduates)
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 66 graduates)
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 51 graduates)
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 44 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (40 programs)
  • Psychology, General
  • Biology, General
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections
  • Political Science and Government
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Engineering, General
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Sociology
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Security Science and Technology
  • Music
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
  • Chemistry
  • Business/Managerial Economics
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Physics
  • History
  • General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Information Science/Studies
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Computer Engineering
  • Visual and Performing Arts, General
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
Online Master's Degrees (19 programs)
  • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
  • Architecture
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Chemistry
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Music
  • Biology, General
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Psychology, General
  • Physics
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (4 programs)
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Physics
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,727
  • Full-Time Students 97.4%
  • Part-Time Students 2.6%
  • Male Students 32.2%
  • Female Students 67.8%
  • Caucasian 0.3%
  • Asian 0.0%
  • Hispanic 0.2%
  • Black 96.7%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 39.4%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Hampton University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Hampton University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Hampton University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
48.6%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
64.0%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
15.4 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Hampton University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: Hampton University has a diverse student body, with 0.3% identifying as White. Women make up 67.8% of undergraduates.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Hampton University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
48.6%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
64.0%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
15.4 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Hampton University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Hampton University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 54.9% ROI. Ranked #657 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.

The $25,319 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $61,865 median earnings. With 57.2% graduating within 150% of normal time and 85.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.

Private University Value: Hampton University's Positioning

With a B grade and #657 ranking, Hampton University competes in the crowded regional private university market.

The Private University Premium: At $25,319 annually, Hampton University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 85.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.

Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $17,723 achieve particularly strong value.

Cost-Benefit Reality: The 54.9% ROI and $61,865 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $15,319+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.

Competitive Standing: Hampton University ranks #657 of 1947 institutions, with 1212 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • 57.2% graduation rate sits 5.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 85.3% first-year retention is 8.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
  • 54.9% return on investment is 5.0 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $61,865 run about 2% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
  • Average net price of $25,319 is roughly $5,240 higher than the national median of $20,079.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 85.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 87.1% employment rate within three years sits 18.9 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $25,319 is about $5,240 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

EDsmart rates Hampton University—a private nonprofit university in Hampton, VA—at B overall. It stands at #657 among 1962 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

85.3% of learners come back after year one while 57.2% graduate within 150% of normal time (55.3% within eight years). The reported ROI is 54.9%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $25,319 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $46,027.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $20,708 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $25,442 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 39.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Median earnings come in near $61,865 four years after graduation. This is roughly 2% above typical U.S. college outcomes.

Roughly 87.1% of graduates are employed three years out.

The ROI comes in near 54.9%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

62.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Hampton University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
3.32 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Hampton University stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
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Visit Hampton University Website →

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Old Dominion University
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Randolph-Macon College
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hampton University's acceptance rate?

Hampton University's acceptance rate is 62.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does Hampton University cost?

At Hampton University, listed tuition and fees are $30,592 per year, and the average net price after aid is $25,319. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is Hampton University's ranking?

Hampton University ranks #657 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is Hampton University's graduation rate?

At Hampton University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 57.2% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 55.3%, and first-year retention is 85.3%.

What are Hampton University's job outcomes?

Graduates of Hampton University report median earnings of $61,865 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is Hampton University's student population?

Hampton University enrolls about 3,727 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
  • Endowment$356.6M
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate33.3%

Data Source & Methodology