Students at Hampton University benefit from earnings that exceed expectations, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who achieve stronger financial outcomes than peers at similar institutions.
The university's nursing and business programs drive much of this earnings advantage, creating pathways to stable, well-paying careers.
Hampton University is a private nonprofit institution in Virginia that offers a distinctive educational experience rooted in its history as a historically Black university. While the university faces some challenges in overall affordability and mobility outcomes, it maintains particular strengths in specific professional programs, especially nursing and business administration. The institution serves a diverse student body, with about 38% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 20% being first-generation college students.
Graduates earn a median of $59,159 ten years after enrollment, which places Hampton in the middle range nationally for earnings outcomes. The university shows modest earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $2,000 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This performance varies significantly by program, with nursing graduates achieving particularly strong financial outcomes while other fields show more moderate returns.
As a medium-sized private university, Hampton provides a more intimate educational environment than large public institutions, though this comes with higher costs. The university's position as a "Selective Achievers" institution reflects its ability to produce solid outcomes for the students it enrolls, even as access remains somewhat limited by affordability constraints. For families who can manage the investment, Hampton offers the cultural richness and professional networks associated with HBCU education.
Hampton University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive university with particular strengths in professional fields. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program and the highest aggregate return major, graduating 108 students with median earnings of $39,369. This combination of scale and solid earnings makes business a cornerstone of Hampton's academic offerings, providing a reliable pathway to middle-class careers for a substantial number of graduates.
Nursing represents Hampton's highest-earning program, with graduates earning $61,859 early in their careers, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals and the quality of Hampton's nursing education. Psychology, while popular with 91 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $31,133, typical for social science fields that often require additional education or specialized training for higher-paying positions.
The variation in outcomes across programs highlights the importance of strategic program selection at Hampton. Students interested in healthcare, business, or other professional fields generally see stronger returns on their educational investment, while those in liberal arts or exercise science fields may need to pursue additional credentials or consider graduate education to achieve comparable earning power. The university's HBCU network and alumni connections can provide valuable career support across all fields, though the financial returns vary significantly by chosen major.
Hampton University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings, with a median income of $59,159 ten years after enrollment. Graduates also earn about $2,000 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating modest earnings beyond expectations. This performance places Hampton in the middle range nationally for return on investment, with outcomes that vary considerably depending on the field of study chosen.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing program, where graduates earn a median of $61,859 early in their careers, reflecting the high demand and competitive salaries in healthcare. Business Administration, the university's largest program with 108 graduates, produces median earnings of $39,369, while Psychology majors, the second-largest program with 91 graduates, see more modest early-career earnings around $31,133. Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates face more challenging financial prospects, with median earnings of $25,194, highlighting the importance of program selection in maximizing return on investment.
The variation in outcomes across programs reflects Hampton's mixed portfolio of professional and liberal arts offerings. Students in healthcare and business fields generally see stronger financial returns, while those in social sciences and exercise-related fields may need to pursue additional credentials or graduate education to achieve comparable earning power. The university's HBCU status provides valuable networking opportunities and cultural connections that can enhance career prospects beyond what earnings data alone captures.
Hampton University presents significant affordability challenges for most families, with net prices that rank among the higher end nationally. Low-income students face annual costs of about $29,338, while middle-income families pay approximately $32,980, and high-income families see costs around $44,119. These price points place Hampton in the bottom 10% nationally for affordability, making it one of the more expensive options among comparable institutions.
The university's private nonprofit status contributes to these higher costs, though the institution does provide some financial aid to help offset expenses. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that the university does serve students from lower-income backgrounds, though the high net prices suggest that many families must stretch financially or take on substantial debt to afford attendance. The gap between low-income and high-income net prices is relatively modest compared to some institutions, suggesting that aid is distributed across income levels rather than concentrated on the lowest-income students.
For families considering Hampton, careful financial planning is essential. The higher upfront costs require a clear understanding of expected career outcomes and earning potential in the chosen field of study. Families should weigh the cultural and networking benefits of HBCU education against the financial investment required, particularly given that some programs offer stronger returns than others.
Hampton University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
