← Back to HBCU Directory
Hampton University logo

HBCU Profile

Hampton University (HU)

Hampton, Virginia Private Bachelor's Doctorate Master's

Hampton University is a private HBCU in Hampton, Virginia, known for its historic legacy, waterfront campus, academic excellence, and strong tradition of leadership, service, and alumni pride.

Best For
Business Engineering Journalism & Communications Nursing Pharmacy STEM Health Sciences Marine & Environmental Science Student Life Marching Band Research Leadership Development Waterfront Campus Campus Views

At a Glance

Founded
1868
Enrollment
3,700
School Type
Private
Institution Type
4-Year
Degree Types
Bachelor's , Master's , Doctorate
Mascot
Pirates
Colors
Reflex Blue , White
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I FCS
Conference
Coastal Athletic Association
Region
Mid-Atlantic
FAFSA Code
003714
Affiliation
None

Overview

Hampton University is a private historically Black university located in Hampton, Virginia. Founded in 1868 as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, the university has grown into one of the nation’s most recognized HBCUs, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of academic disciplines.

Known as the “Home by the Sea,” Hampton combines a historic campus setting with a strong commitment to scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Its academic community supports students through programs in business, engineering, journalism and communication, nursing, pharmacy, science, education, the liberal arts, and more.

Why This HBCU Stands Out

Hampton University stands out for its deep HBCU legacy, scenic waterfront campus, nationally respected academic programs, and strong alumni tradition. Known as the “Home by the Sea” and guided by “The Standard of Excellence,” Hampton offers students a distinctive campus environment with beautiful waterfront views, a strong sense of community, and academic pathways in areas such as business, engineering, journalism and communications, nursing, pharmacy, marine and environmental science, and STEM. The university continues to prepare students to lead with purpose in their careers, communities, and industries.

Academics

Colleges & Schools

  • James T. George School of Business
  • School of Engineering and Technology
  • School of Pharmacy
  • Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communication
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Science
  • School of Liberal Arts and Education
  • School of Religion
  • Graduate College
  • University College

Popular Majors

Business AdministrationBiologyPsychologyNursingComputer ScienceEngineeringJournalism and CommunicationCriminal JusticeEducationPharmacy

Majors by Category

  • Business: Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing
  • STEM: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics
  • Health Sciences: Nursing, Pharmacy, Pre-Medical Studies, Communicative Sciences and Disorders
  • Communications: Journalism, Strategic Communication, Media Arts
  • Education: Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education
  • Liberal Arts: English, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice

Unique Programs

  • Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communication
  • School of Pharmacy
  • Freddye T. Davy Honors College
  • Aviation and flight-related academic pathways
  • Marine and environmental science opportunities
  • Research-focused STEM programs
  • Leadership and service-centered academic experiences

Online Programs

  • Hampton University Online
  • Online undergraduate courses
  • Online graduate courses
  • Professional and continuing education options

Honors Programs

  • Freddye T. Davy Honors College

Admissions & Financial Aid

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$28,308
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,308
Room & Board
$14,988
Application Fee
$50
Avg. Net Price
$28,576
Estimated Total Cost
$46,500
% Receiving Aid
56.82

Student Life & Athletics

Hampton University offers a close-knit campus experience rooted in HBCU pride, leadership, service, academic achievement, and community. Students can participate in a wide range of organizations, cultural traditions, athletics, leadership programs, faith-based activities, and campus events.

The university’s location on the Virginia Peninsula gives students access to a historic campus environment, waterfront views, regional career opportunities, and a strong alumni network.

Student Organizations

Student Government Association Student Recruitment Team Academic clubs and honor societies Cultural and identity-based organizations Service and leadership organizations Media and communication organizations Performing arts groups Faith-based organizations Greek-letter organizations

Greek Life

Hampton University has a strong tradition of Greek-letter organization involvement, including historically Black fraternities and sororities that support leadership, service, scholarship, and campus engagement.

Campus Traditions

  • Homecoming
  • Founders Day
  • Convocation
  • Student leadership and service events
  • HBCU alumni and chapter engagement
  • Campus and community service traditions

Marching Band: The Marching Force

Sports

  • Football
  • Men’s Basketball
  • Women’s Basketball
  • Men’s Track & Field
  • Women’s Track & Field
  • Men’s Tennis
  • Women’s Tennis
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • Women’s Soccer
  • Women’s Volleyball
  • Softball
  • Men’s Lacrosse
  • Cheerleading

Visit Athletics Site →

History & Legacy

Hampton University was founded on April 1, 1868 as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. The institution was established to educate and prepare formerly enslaved people and their descendants for leadership, teaching, skilled work, and community advancement.

From its earliest years, Hampton emphasized education, character development, service, and practical training. Over time, it evolved from a normal and agricultural institute into a comprehensive university with a national reputation for academic excellence, research, leadership, and cultural impact.

Founding Legacy

Hampton was founded by Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, who opened the school with a mission rooted in education, self-sufficiency, labor, leadership, and service. The university’s founding vision helped shape generations of teachers, professionals, civic leaders, and changemakers.

Notable Milestones

  • 1868 – Founded as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute
  • 1878 – Hampton established a program for Native American students
  • 1930 – Hampton Institute became accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • 1984 – Hampton Institute became Hampton University
  • 2022 – Hampton University joined the Coastal Athletic Association

Notable Alumni

  • Booker T. Washington
  • Wanda Sykes
  • Alberta Williams King
  • Spencer Christian
  • Ruth E. Carter
  • DJ Envy
  • Mary Jackson
  • Sylvia Trent-Adams
  • Trick Williams

Location

200 William R Harvey Way