Hampden-Sydney College
Founded in 1775, Hampden-Sydney College is among the oldest institutions in the US, and today, it’s one of only three men’s colleges in the country. Located between Richmond and Roanoke, Virginia, the residential campus is home to nearly 1,000 undergraduate students—and a small number of faculty who also choose to live on campus.
The admissions staff at Hampden-Sydney are reading for potential when they review applications, not perfection. They offer interviews, but these often become casual conversations while walking the picturesque grounds. Applicants are considered for scholarships along with admission; Eagle Scouts and participants in Boys’ State programs earn automatic scholarships when they’re admitted.
The Rhetoric Program at Hampden-Sydney is a “write” of passage (That’s their pun!) Each student takes courses throughout his HSC career focused on writing and speaking competently. Half of students major in economics or business, and they also have strong programs in the sciences. Students have opportunities to research alongside professors, or over the summer when they are paid to do their own professional-level research. Hampden-Sydney students can declare their majors as late as the end of their sophomore year.
We were invited to visit a Philosophy class during our recent visit. The professor knew each student’s first name, last name and nickname, and he recalled specific points they had made and questions they’d asked in previous sessions. He used a combination of powerpoint slides, writing on the board, using a pen named “Bernadette” as an example of a 3D object and gesturing wildly to make his points. The material was dense and theoretical, and it was clear the students were struggling with it. But they didn’t have the chance to disengage or fall behind because of the close attention the professor paid and the ways he pulled each of them back into the conversation.
Housing on campus is guaranteed for four years with older students moving into suites, houses and cottages after living in traditional double-occupancy dorms. There are also fraternity houses on campus and one third of the students typically join Greek life. About a third of HSC students are Division III varsity athletes and shooting sports and rugby are competitive at the club level. The Hampden-Sydney volunteer fire department, the Union Philanthropic Literary Society, the Garnet & Grey ambassadors and student government are among the most popular extracurricular activities. HSC also has one of the strongest alumni networks in the country.
Who would thrive at HSC?
A single-gender college is not a fit for everyone, but for the right student, Hampden-Sydney College has so much to offer! If you are looking for a close-knit residential campus where faculty will know you well should consider HSC. You’ll have four years of strong preparation in rhetoric alongside your chosen major and a lifetime of connections through an active alumni association.
Notable Alumni:
William Henry Harrison - 9th president of the United States
Scott Cooper - Film director and writer, known for “The Pale Blue Eye”, “Crazy Heart” and “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere”
Stephen Colbert - Comedian, writer, television host
Kyle Fraser - Attorney, winner of Season 48 of “Survivor”
John Phillips - Musician, the Mamas & the Papas
William H. Armstrong - Author of children’s literature, known for Newberry Medal winning novel Sounder
Patrick Luwis - Film & TV actor, known for his role in “Cobra Kai”
Michael Knight - Author known for short stories and novels including The Typist
Ryan Silverfield - Head Football Coach, University of Memphis
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