Hampton University
Hampton University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Hampton University at a Glance
Hampton University is a private, historically black, research university in Hampton, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1868 as Hampton Agricultural and Industrial Institute, it was established by Black and White leaders of the American Missionary Association after the American Civil War to provide education to freedmen. The campus houses the Hampton University Museum, which is the oldest museum of the African diaspora in the United States and the oldest museum in the commonwealth of Virginia. …
1861
165 years old
$281M
$280.6 million (2020)
4,243
3,727 undergrad · 498 grad
314 acres
Identity
Is Hampton University Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, Hampton University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $59,159 — 10% above average — while paying $25,319/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Hampton University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Hampton University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #15 of 30 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #2 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #3 | Madonna University | 49 | $17,755 | $59,058 |
| #4 | Daemen University | 48 | $18,693 | $61,808 |
| #5 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| #6 | Ohio Wesleyan University | 40 | $20,897 | $55,624 |
| #15 | Hampton University | 33 | $25,319 | $59,159 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Hampton University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Hampton University
The highest-earning program at Hampton University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $57,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $20,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Hampton University earns $57,200, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $20,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,319/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $57,200 | $57,200 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,200 | $38,200 | $28,000 |
| Biology, General | $29,400 | $29,400 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $26,400 | $26,400 | $27,000 |
| Journalism | $25,700 | $25,700 | $27,000 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $20,800 | $20,800 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $20,100 | $20,100 | $26,500 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Hampton, VA
- Student Body
- 3,727 students
- Admission Rate
- 62%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,319
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,159
- Median Student Debt
- $25,442