Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Hampton, Virginia |
| Online | hamptonu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Hampton University, located along the Virginia Peninsula near the Chesapeake Bay, sits on a historic waterfront campus approximately 75 miles southeast of Richmond. Founded in 1868 during Reconstruction as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, the private university was established to educate freed slaves and became one of the nation's leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The campus features notable Victorian-era architecture, including the National Historic Landmark Memorial Church, and maintains a selective undergraduate admission process. Hampton offers comprehensive programs across five professional schools and seven academic colleges, with particular strengths in business, engineering, nursing, and journalism, while requiring all students to live on campus for their first three years. The Hampton Pirates compete in NCAA Division I athletics as members of the Colonial Athletic Association.
Explore all HBCUs
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Hampton University is rated within the top 47% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Hampton University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#521 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#363 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#16 in Best Colleges in Virginia
#6 in Best Private Colleges in Virginia
#571 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#18 in Best Value Colleges in Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 857/1226 |
| ACT | 12/24 |
| GPA | 3.3 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Mar 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| Other Fees | $2,964 |
| Room and Board | $12,986 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,800 |
| Total One Year Cost | $46,048 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 28% |
| Psychology | 13% |
| Health Professions | 10% |
| Communication | 10% |
| Social Sciences | 10% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Hampton University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=232265 IPEDS survey data for Hampton University.
Current students may use the Hampton University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025