Hampden-Sydney College: 39.8% Acceptance Rate

39.8%Acceptance

$52,388Tuition

876Students

65%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$67,640Earnings

#19 in VirginiaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Hampden-Sydney College

This all-male bastion of Southern tradition is one of America's last remaining men's colleges, where 876 students pursue a classical liberal arts education rooted in honor and brotherhood. The college has produced an extraordinary roster of leaders, including founding father Patrick Henry and five U.S. presidents like William Henry Harrison and John Tyler. Students gather on a rural Virginia campus where the honor code isn't just policy but defines daily life. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know every student by name and character.

The sticker price reaches $68,498, but most families pay far less thanks to generous aid packages. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,552 after aid, while even those from higher-income families see substantial reductions. Graduates earn a median of $67,640 within ten years, carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. The investment pays off with a 98.2% employment rate and manageable monthly loan payments of $276.

The student body remains 99.89% male by design, creating an intentionally different college experience focused on developing "good men and good citizens." With 338 student-athletes competing across nine NCAA Division III sports, the Tigers emphasize character development alongside academic achievement. The 65.3% six-year graduation rate reflects the rigorous standards this institution maintains.

Academics & Faculty

Hampden-Sydney is one of America's last all-male liberal arts colleges, emphasizing classical education and rigorous writing instruction. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship in the college's signature rhetoric program, which requires all students to master persuasive writing and public speaking. With a 70% four-year graduation rate, students benefit from small seminars and personalized attention across traditional liberal arts disciplines. The college is particularly known for its economics, government, and pre-law programs, drawing on its historic connection to American political leaders. The honor code permeates academic life, creating a culture where take-home exams and unproctored testing reflect the institution's commitment to character development alongside intellectual growth.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 87.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 70.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 65.3%
Retention Rate: 85.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $67,640
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business/Managerial Economics.	Bachelor	$47,260
Economics.	Bachelor	$39,153

View all 26 programs →

Campus Life

Hampden-Sydney sits in rural Virginia farm country, about two hours south of Richmond. You'll definitely need a winter coat for the cold months, plus layers for the humid summers. With housing capacity for 934 students and total enrollment of 876, nearly everyone lives on campus all four years. This creates an intense brotherhood atmosphere that defines the college experience.

The honor code runs deep here, governing everything from unstaffed dining halls to unproctored exams. Brothers (what students call each other) gather for formal dinners, debate society meetings, and weekend parties at the historic fraternities. With 338 athletes among 876 total students, nearly 40% play varsity sports. The small student body means you'll know most faces on campus within your first semester. Weekends revolve around athletic events, outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, and social gatherings that often extend late into the night. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name and academic progress personally. This isn't a place to blend into the crowd.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 934 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	2	2
Rape	2	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–47°F
July Avg: 67°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.5"
Annual Snowfall: 6.1"

Student Demographics

Hampden-Sydney draws students committed to its all-male tradition and honor code culture. Nearly three-quarters come from Virginia, reflecting the college's deep roots in the Commonwealth and strong regional reputation. One in five receives Pell Grants, showing the school attracts students across economic backgrounds despite its $52,388 tuition. The student body is predominantly white at 78%, with growing diversity among Black and Hispanic students. These young men choose Hampden-Sydney specifically for its classical liberal arts education and the brotherhood that comes from attending one of America's last all-male colleges.

Men: 99.9%
Women: 0.1%
White: 77.9%
Black: 8.2%
Hispanic: 6.4%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 72.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.0%

Location

Hampden-Sydney College sits in the small town of Hampden-Sydney, Virginia, about 65 miles southwest of Richmond. The rural setting reflects the school's 72.60% in-state enrollment, drawing heavily from Virginia families seeking a traditional college experience. Rolling farmland and forests surround the historic campus in Southside Virginia. The nearest significant population center requires an hour's drive, reinforcing the college's intentionally isolated atmosphere. This remote location supports the school's emphasis on honor code traditions and close-knit brotherhood among its 876 students. The setting mirrors other historic Virginia institutions focused on character development. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Hampden-Sydney with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hampden-Sydney, Virginia 23943-0128

Hampden-Sydney Board George Washington letter

Lawrence, Charles B., Samuel Stanhope Smith

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $67,640
Median Earnings (5 years): $69,617
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $43,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 78.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Hampden-Sydney College?

Hampden-Sydney College accepts 39.79% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1175. This all-male liberal arts college maintains selective admissions while preserving its 250-year tradition of classical education and honor code.

How much does Hampden-Sydney College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Hampden-Sydney College is $24,668, though only 22% of students receive financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,552 on average, while the full cost of attendance reaches $68,498.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Hampden-Sydney College?

Hampden-Sydney College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 876 total students. This intimate setting supports the college's emphasis on classical liberal arts education and mentorship between faculty and students.

What do graduates of Hampden-Sydney College typically earn?

Hampden-Sydney College graduates earn a median salary of $67,640 ten years after graduation with a 98.2% employment rate. The college's strong alumni network includes five U.S. presidents and connects graduates across business and government sectors.

Where is Hampden-Sydney College located and what is campus life like?

Hampden-Sydney College sits in rural Virginia with housing capacity for 934 students and a retention rate of 84.95%. The campus maintains traditional college customs and an honor code that shapes daily life for its all-male student body.

Is Hampden-Sydney College really an all-male school?

Hampden-Sydney College enrolls 99.89% male students, making it one of only three remaining all-male liberal arts colleges in America. The college has maintained this tradition since 1775, attracting students who value its brotherhood culture and classical education approach.