Hampton University
At our recent visit, the students at Hampton University could not have been more welcoming or proud to show off their school. This Historically Black university was founded after the Civil War near Virginia Beach. The gated, coastal campus has over 4000 undergraduates and despite recent growth, classes have stayed small. Professors teach all of the courses, and a typical class has less than 20 students. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.4, and those who meet the November 15 priority application deadline are considered for merit scholarships. Standardized test scores are required for candidates applying in the fall of 2026 or later.
The most popular majors are business, nursing, journalism, psychology and biology, and Hampton also has unique programs in atmospheric sciences, aviation, architecture, and specialized health fields. None of the majors are direct-admit, and nursing students declare their major after taking a year of prerequisite courses. The University also offers popular graduate degrees in business, nursing, and physical therapy. In addition to classroom learning, internships are an important part of the Hampton experience. The school’s goal is not just to help students graduate, but to develop leaders. Students are mentored on campus, including through the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute and the Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Training Program. Hampton also offers competitive summer programs for high school students to visit campus and immerse themselves in topics like international diplomacy and STEM research.
The campus is rich with history, culture, art and traditions. Legacy Park features bronze sculptures of University leaders and Black historical figures along the school’s waterfront walking path. The on-campus Hampton University Museum is the oldest museum in Virginia and showcases African American and Native American art. Across campus is the Emancipation Oak—a tree over 200 years old—where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in the South in 1863.
Students are engaged in clubs, organizations, Greek life, and Division I NCAA athletics. All students take University 101—a course designed to help them orient to campus and transition to college-level academics. The Career Center is available to students throughout their four years on campus.
Virginia residents can take advantage of an in-state grant called VTAG to help make private Virginia colleges more affordable, including Hampton University. Scholarships are awarded to 40% of incoming students each year. Strong candidates who meet the priority deadline in the fall could be invited to Honors Weekend and considered for the Honors College.
Fun Fact: Mackenzie Scott’s $30M donation in 2020 was used for facilities upgrades, scholarships and to support the Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute.
Notable Alumni:
Booker T. Washington - American Educator, Author, and Orator, led the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) for over 30 years
Mary Jackson - Aerospace Engineer at NASA (portrayed by Janelle Monáe in the movie Hidden Figures)
Ruth E. Carter - Academy Award-Winning costume designer, known for collaborations with Spike Lee and Ryan Coogler including Black Panther
Wanda Sykes - Emmy Award-Winning Comedian, Writer, and Actress, known for her stand-up and roles in film and on TV
Francena McCorory - Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist in track & field (2012 & 2016 4 x 400m relay)
Rick Mahorn - Championship-Winning NBA player and WNBA coach
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