At $32,145/yr net price, Hampton University graduates earn $59,159/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,159/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,145 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $128,580 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,159/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,159/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,442 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $29,338/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,636/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,980/yr |
| $110,001+ | $44,119/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,140 | $198,981 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,727 | $130,832 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,749 | $27,777 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $63,005 | $53,594 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,859 | $25,000 |
| Architecture. | Master | $42,682 | $28,169 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $40,896 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $40,485 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $26,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,992 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
55.7% of students at Hampton University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Hampton University delivers mixed financial returns, with stark differences between its health science programs and other majors. The $32,145 annual net price positions this HBCU in the middle range for private colleges, but the 55.7% graduation rate creates significant completion risk for your investment.
Pharmacy stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $117,140 in median earnings despite carrying $198,981 in debt. The program's strong job market in Virginia and surrounding states makes this debt load manageable for most graduates. Business administration and nursing offer more moderate returns with reasonable debt levels around $25,000-$28,000, making them safer bets for middle-income families.
Your biggest risk at Hampton is not graduating. With nearly half of students failing to complete their degrees, you could end up with debt but no credential. The 84.8% freshman retention rate suggests most academic struggles emerge in later years.
Hampton works best financially if you're pursuing pharmacy, nursing, or business and can handle the academic demands. The school's strong alumni network in the Mid-Atlantic region provides job placement advantages in these fields. Avoid Hampton if you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside the health sciences and business areas.
With only 38% of students receiving need-based aid, Hampton expects families to pay most costs upfront. Merit scholarships exist but aren't generous enough to dramatically change the value proposition. If you need substantial financial aid, you'll likely find better options elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hampton University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Hampton University's net price of $32,145 annually leads to median earnings of $59,159 after 10 years, which is below average for the cost. The 55.7% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying majors at Hampton University?
Hampton's pharmacy program produces the highest earnings at $117,140 annually, followed by rehabilitation professions at $72,727. Business and nursing programs offer more modest returns around $61,000-$64,000, which may not justify the high tuition for some students.
How much debt do Hampton University graduates typically have?
Hampton graduates carry a median debt of $25,442, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with 10-year earnings of $59,159, graduates will likely spend a significant portion of their income on loan payments.
Does Hampton University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $32,145 after aid, Hampton's costs remain high relative to graduate earnings potential. The financial aid appears insufficient to make the investment worthwhile for most programs outside of pharmacy and healthcare fields.