Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Hampton, Virginia
48.3% Acceptance Rate
Hampton University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
48.3%Acceptance Rate
3.3Avg GPA
1062Avg SAT
18Avg ACT
$45,968Annual Cost
$59,159Grad Salary
38.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
48.3%
Avg GPA
3.3
Avg SAT
1062
Avg ACT
18
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
857–1226
ACT Middle 50%
12–24
Need-Based Aid
38.1% receive Pell
Hampton University is a private, historically black, research-intensive institution in Virginia known for its prestigious academic programs and commitment to innovation. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, the university fosters a culture of excellence, leadership, and global engagement. Its distinguished faculty, strong alumni network, and emphasis on preparing students for professional success in a rapidly changing world make it a top-tier choice for those seeking a world-class education.
Hampton University Acceptance Rate
Hampton University admits roughly 48.3% of its applicant pool, keeping it competitive without being out of reach for a solid student.
What Hampton University Admissions Looks For
- Solid, Not Perfect: A GPA trending upward matters more than one that's flat.
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 48.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Slightly below-average GPA? A strong test score or clear leadership track record can still keep you competitive.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.30 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.10 – 3.29
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.85
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Hampton University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Hampton University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Hampton University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (March 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Hampton University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Hampton University is 3.3. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.00–3.3 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.50–3.70.Hampton University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.30 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.10 – 3.29
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.90 – 3.09
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.89
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Character Matters essay: 500-word minimum, submitted via Common App or Hampton's own application.
- Application fee is $60.
- Test-optional threshold: 3.6 unweighted GPA or top 10% class rank waives the score requirement.
- Affinity-group supplemental form (Jack & Jill, Eagle Scout, Gold Award, 100 Black Men) applies only to Fall 2026 applicants.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Hampton University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Hampton University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Hampton University Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Hampton University is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Hampton University Without SAT or ACT?
Hampton University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Hampton University Average SAT Score: 1062
The average SAT score of admitted students at Hampton University is 1062 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1062 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1226 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Hampton University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 857, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Hampton University. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 529 | 457 | 600 |
| SAT Reading | 513 | 400 | 626 |
| SAT Composite | 1062 | 857 | 1226 |
Below 857, you're behind most admitted students; at 1226 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Hampton University with a 1250 SAT?
A 1250 SAT puts you ahead of most of Hampton University's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Hampton University ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Hampton University is 18.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 18 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a real advantage.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 19 | 13 | 25 |
| ACT English | 22 | 17 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 18 | 12 | 24 |
Can I get into Hampton University with a 24 ACT?
A 24 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Hampton University's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Hampton University.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Hampton University
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
Competitive positioning at Hampton University means clearing the academic bar comfortably, then using the rest of your application to show genuine fit.
Build the Character Matters essay around one action, not a virtue list
The 500-word-minimum prompt asks what "good character" means to you. Anchor it in a single specific incident where you acted on that value under pressure.
Check eligibility for the affinity supplemental form immediately
Members of Jack & Jill, Eagle Scouts, Gold Award Girl Scouts, or 100 Black Men of America can submit a special form, but it's only offered for Fall 2026 applicants and it's easy to miss.
Use the test-optional threshold strategically
If your unweighted GPA is 3.6+ or you rank in the top 10%, skip test scores. If not, submit at least one recommendation from a core-subject teacher instead, since Hampton explicitly recommends this substitute.
Name a flagship program by title in your essay
Hampton's strength in journalism, nursing, and aviation is well known internally. Reference the specific school or program (e.g., Scripps Howard School of Journalism) rather than praising Hampton generically.
Expert Insight:
Reviewers see the same "good character" essay pattern constantly: students listing traits (honesty, kindness) instead of narrating one real moment. That pattern reads as generic even when sincere.
Hampton University Profile
Full Name
Hampton University
City
Hampton
State
Virginia
ZIP Code
23668-0099
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Hampton University Degree Worth It?
At $45,968/year against a $59,159 median graduate salary, Hampton University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $65,700, with a graduate unemployment rate of 4.01%.
How much does a degree from Hampton University Cost?
The sticker price is $45,968/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
38.1% of students receive a Pell Grant and 56.4% take federal loans at Hampton University. File your FAFSA early and list Hampton University as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Hampton University Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $59,159. That's about 46% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Hampton University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Hampton University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
| Point University | West Point, GA | 1059 | 19 |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | 1057 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Hampton University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Hampton University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Hampton University Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Hampton University run about $59,159 a year.
Hampton University costs roughly $45,968 a year, and most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
About 38.1% receive a Pell Grant at Hampton University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 48.3%, Hampton University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Hampton University average a 3.3 GPA.
Hampton University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.9, Hampton University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Hampton University — aim above 1062, ideally within the 857–1226 range admitted students typically fall in.
Hampton University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The application fee is 50. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is March 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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