Why is in-state the same as out-of-state at Hampton University?

Hampton is a private university and publishes one undergraduate tuition rate for all students, so there is no separate resident vs. nonresident tuition schedule.

Does the direct billed total include books and transportation?

No. Direct billed costs typically include tuition, required fees, housing, and meals. Indirect costs like books, transportation, and personal expenses are usually part of the full Cost of Attendance budget but are not billed charges.

Does Hampton participate in WUE, MSEP, or ACM tuition exchange programs?

Those programs are primarily designed to discount out-of-state tuition at participating public universities. Hampton already charges one tuition rate for all students, so there is no out-of-state tuition to discount through those exchanges.

Does Hampton superscore the SAT or ACT for scholarships?

Hampton superscores the SAT by combining the highest section scores across test dates. For the ACT, Hampton uses the highest single composite from one test date rather than an ACT superscore across multiple test dates.

Is there a separate application for most Hampton scholarships beyond automatic merit?

Yes. Many institutional, donor, and department-funded scholarships are accessed through Hampton’s centralized general scholarship application system.

Are Hampton’s competitive scholarships guaranteed if a student meets eligibility requirements?

No. Competitive and donor-funded scholarships are limited and not guaranteed; awards depend on funding availability and applicant strength.

Does the Honors College come with a guaranteed institutional scholarship?

Hampton does not publish a guaranteed, Honors-only institutional scholarship with fixed award amounts. The Honors College is primarily positioned as an academic enrichment program and a launchpad for externally competitive scholarships.

Hampton University Scholarships (2026–2027)

Q: Do test-optional applicants qualify for Hampton’s automatic merit scholarships?

No. Hampton’s admission-based merit scholarships require qualifying SAT or ACT scores for scholarship consideration.

← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Virginia state aid

Last Updated on February 4, 2026

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

📊 Admissions Snapshot

Acceptance Rate: Not publicly reported
Middle 50% ACT: Not published
Middle 50% SAT: Not published
Average GPA (HS): Not published

Source: Hampton University Office of Admissions (most recent publicly available data). Hampton does not publish full middle-50% score bands.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

Hampton University at a Glance

Average Net Price

$32,145

What families actually paid on average

Automatic Merit

Available (Freshmen)

Admission-based; no extra app

Typical Qualifiers

≥3.5 GPA • SAT 1000+ or ACT 22+

Test scores required for merit eligibility

Superscore Policy

ACT: No • SAT: Yes

Used for admission & scholarships

Key Deadlines

Early Action: Nov 15 • Regular: Mar 1

Automatic merit tied to Early Action

Honors College

Yes • Competitive • Separate app

Curriculum focus; scholarships not clearly defined

Full-Tuition / Full-Ride

Automatic: No • Competitive: Not clearly stated

Most awards are partial scholarships

Residency & Waivers

N/A (private)

Same tuition for all students

– Scholarship GPA/test bands are approximate, based on award text + past recipient data + student profile stats. Numbers can shift with applicant pool and funding.

Sources:
https://home.hamptonu.edu/admissions/
https://home.hamptonu.edu/admissions/elementor-1947/
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/institution-profile/232265
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?232265-Hampton-University

Scholarship Information

💰 Cost of Attendance at Hampton University (2026–2027)

These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus at Hampton University. Because Hampton is a private university, tuition does not change based on state residency.

📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.

Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.

Category	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees	$32,322	$32,322
Housing & Meals (typical on-campus)	$14,988	$14,988
Total (Direct/Billed)	$47,310	$47,310

Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to Hampton University — tuition, required fees, housing, and meals. Hampton’s full Cost of Attendance budget may also include indirect expenses such as:

Books & course materials
Transportation (travel to/from campus)
Personal/miscellaneous expenses
Loan fees (if you borrow)

📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)

The average net price is approximately $32,145 per year (federal College Scorecard). Net price is the average cost after grants and scholarships — and it can be much lower (or higher) depending on your family’s finances and the aid package.

Out-of-State Waivers & Regional Savings

Hampton is a private university with a single published tuition schedule for undergraduates, so there is no separate “out-of-state tuition” that can be reduced through regional exchange programs like WUE, MSEP, or ACM.

Bottom line: Out-of-state students don’t need a waiver to reach “in-state pricing” — they already pay the same base tuition and required fees as Virginia residents. Your biggest cost lever is usually scholarships (automatic or competitive) plus any need-based grants you qualify for.

📊 How Hampton’s Cost Compares to Other Private HBCUs

Families often compare Hampton to other well-known private HBCUs like Howard and Spelman. While exact costs vary by housing choice and year, all three schools generally fall into a similar high-$40K to low-$50K range for on-campus, direct billed costs.

Hampton University: ≈ $47,300 per year (tuition, required fees, standard housing & meals)
Spelman College: ≈ $50,500–$51,500 per year, depending on housing
Howard University: ≈ $53,000 per year

Takeaway: Hampton’s sticker price is modestly lower than some flagship private HBCUs, but net price (after scholarships and grants) is often similar across all three — typically landing in the low-$30K range on average.

FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Hampton University

Why is in-state the same as out-of-state?
Because Hampton is a private university, it publishes one undergraduate tuition rate for all students — not separate resident/nonresident tuition.

Does the “Total (Direct/Billed)” include books and transportation?
No. The table above only includes costs typically billed by the university: tuition, required fees, housing, and meals. Hampton’s full COA budget can also include indirect costs like books, travel, and personal expenses, which matter for financial aid eligibility but aren’t billed charges.

Is housing included in the tuition number?
No. Housing and meals are separate charges. Some scholarships apply only to tuition (or tuition + certain required fees), so always confirm whether an award can be used for housing/meal plans.

If my student lives off campus, will the bill drop?
Usually, yes — if you’re not paying for an on-campus housing/meal plan, those billed charges typically disappear. But students living off campus still have real living expenses (rent, food, utilities), and schools may budget those costs in the COA for aid purposes.

Does Hampton participate in WUE, ACM, or MSEP?
Not as a tuition exchange for resident vs. nonresident pricing. Those programs are primarily designed to discount out-of-state tuition at participating public universities. Hampton already uses a single tuition rate for all students.

How should I use the $32,145 net price number?
Treat it as a benchmark, not a quote. It’s a federal average across students, and your family’s actual cost can differ a lot depending on scholarships and financial aid. Your best next step is running Hampton’s Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Sources:
https://home.hamptonu.edu/sbs/tuitionandfees/
https://home.hamptonu.edu/sbs/wp-content/uploads/sites/124/2025/02/schedule-of-fees-25-26.pdf
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?232265-Hampton-University

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Hampton University

Hampton University offers automatic merit scholarships for first-time freshmen based on academic credentials. Eligible students are considered automatically after admission — no separate scholarship application is required.

⚠️ Test-optional does NOT qualify for automatic merit: Hampton may allow test-optional admission in some cases, but students who do not submit SAT/ACT scores are not eligible for Hampton’s automatic merit scholarships.

📌 Superscore policy (important for scholarships): Hampton superscores the SAT (highest section scores across test dates) but uses the highest single ACT composite from one test date (not an ACT superscore).

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility / Criteria	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Freshman Merit Scholarships	Partial tuition scholarships (amount varies by academic tier)	First-time freshman • ≥3.5 unweighted GPA • SAT ≥1000 (EBRW+Math) or ACT ≥22 • Must submit test scores	No	Yes — with academic standing	Admitted students meeting GPA + score thresholds who apply by Early Action and submit qualifying test scores	Nov 15 (Early Action)

*Specific award amounts are not publicly tiered by Hampton and may vary by academic profile and funding year.

FAQ — Automatic Merit at Hampton University

Is there a separate scholarship application for Hampton’s automatic merit?
No. Students are automatically considered after submitting a completed admission application by the Early Action deadline.

Can test-optional applicants receive automatic merit scholarships?
No. Hampton’s automatic merit scholarships require qualifying SAT or ACT scores. Students applying test-optional are not eligible for these awards.

Does Hampton superscore test results?
Yes for the SAT (highest section scores combined across dates). No for the ACT — the highest single composite score is used.

Are these scholarships full tuition?
No. Hampton’s automatic merit scholarships are partial tuition awards. Full-tuition or full-ride coverage is not clearly stated for automatic awards.

Do automatic merit scholarships stack with other aid?
Often, yes. Automatic merit may be combined with need-based aid and competitive institutional scholarships, though total aid cannot exceed the university’s cost of attendance.

Sources:
https://home.hamptonu.edu/admissions/scholarship-information/
https://home.hamptonu.edu/admissions/elementor-1947/

🏆 Competitive (Flagship) Scholarships at Hampton University

In addition to automatic merit awards, Hampton University offers a large pool of competitive institutional scholarships awarded through a centralized internal scholarship application system. These awards are not guaranteed and are typically based on a mix of academics, leadership, service, and donor-specific criteria.

Important context: Hampton does not publish a small set of named “full-ride” or “presidential” scholarships. Instead, students submit one general scholarship application and are matched against 350+ university- and donor-funded awards. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

💡 CRP tip: If your student is hoping for more than automatic merit, the general scholarship application is the main gateway. That portal is where most donor- and department-funded awards are matched — not on public lists.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility / Criteria	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Hampton University Institutional Scholarships	Varies (partial tuition, fees, or program-specific support)	Undergraduate students • Academic achievement, leadership, service, and donor criteria	Yes — Hampton General Scholarship Application	Varies by award	Students with strong academics who also show leadership, service involvement, or alignment with donor/program criteria	Deadlines vary by scholarship cycle (typically spring for the following academic year)

Disclaimer: Competitive scholarship funding is limited and not guaranteed. Award amounts, renewal terms, and stacking rules depend on the specific donor or institutional fund.

⏱️ When competitive scholarships usually happen: Automatic merit is typically tied to admission review, but many portal-based scholarships are awarded on a separate timeline. Families should plan for competitive and donor-funded awards to be matched later in the cycle, not immediately after applying.

FAQ — Competitive Scholarships at Hampton University

Is this the same as Hampton’s automatic merit?
No. Automatic merit scholarships are awarded at admission based on GPA and test scores. Competitive scholarships require a separate internal application and are awarded later, often after students enroll.

Is there really just one application for hundreds of scholarships?
Yes. Hampton uses a centralized scholarship system where one general application is used to match students with more than 350 institutional and donor-funded scholarships.

Are these scholarships full tuition or full ride?
Usually not. Most competitive awards are partial scholarships that help reduce tuition, fees, or specific program costs. Full-tuition or full-ride outcomes are not clearly defined or advertised.

Who should prioritize completing the competitive scholarship application?
Students with strong academics who also have leadership roles, service involvement, or participation in campus programs tend to benefit most from the competitive scholarship pool.

Do competitive scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Often, yes — but stacking rules vary by award, and total aid cannot exceed the university’s cost of attendance. Some awards may replace other institutional aid rather than add to it.

Are Honors College scholarships included here?
Not clearly. Hampton’s Honors College primarily promotes nationally competitive external scholarships rather than clearly defined, Honors-only institutional awards.

Sources:
https://home.hamptonu.edu/scholarships/
https://home.hamptonu.edu/financialaid/scholarships-faq/

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at Hampton University

Hampton University offers many less-publicized scholarships funded by academic departments, programs, and private donors. These awards are typically not listed individually on public pages and are instead matched to students through Hampton’s centralized scholarship application system.

How these work: Most “hidden gem” scholarships at Hampton are department-restricted or donor-specific. You don’t apply to them one by one — completing the general Hampton scholarship application is what unlocks eligibility.

Scholarship Type	Award Amount	Eligibility / Focus	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Departmental & Major-Based Scholarships	Varies (typically partial awards applied to tuition or program costs)	Declared major or enrollment in a specific academic department; may include GPA, faculty recommendation, or progress toward degree	No — matched via general scholarship application	Varies	Students active in their major who build relationships with faculty and meet donor or departmental criteria	Varies by department (often spring)
Donor-Funded Institutional Scholarships	Varies (often $1,000–$5,000 per year, depending on fund)	Criteria set by donor (academic merit, leadership, service, financial need, or background)	No — matched through centralized system	Sometimes	Applicants who complete the scholarship application thoroughly and align closely with donor intent	Varies by scholarship cycle
Program- or Participation-Based Awards	Varies	Participation in specific programs, student organizations, leadership initiatives, or service activities	No — included in general application review	Varies	Students who are engaged on campus and can clearly document leadership or service impact	Varies

Note: Hampton does not publish a complete public list of departmental or donor scholarships. Award amounts, renewal terms, and criteria depend on the individual fund and available resources.

FAQ — Hidden Gem Scholarships at Hampton University

Why can’t I find a full list of these scholarships online?
Most of Hampton’s departmental and donor-funded scholarships are managed internally and are not published as standalone opportunities. Students are matched to them through the centralized scholarship application.

Is the general scholarship application really worth completing?
Yes. It is the primary gateway to hundreds of smaller, less-visible awards that can meaningfully reduce tuition over time.

Do first-year students receive hidden gem scholarships?
Some do, but many departmental and program-based awards are more common after a student declares a major or completes their first year. Continuing students often see more opportunities.

How can students improve their chances for these awards?
Completing the application carefully, staying involved on campus, building faculty relationships, and updating scholarship profiles annually all increase matching opportunities.

Do these scholarships stack with merit and competitive awards?
Often yes, but stacking depends on donor rules and Hampton’s overall aid limits. Some awards may replace other institutional aid rather than add to it.

Sources:
https://home.hamptonu.edu/scholarships/
https://home.hamptonu.edu/financialaid/scholarships-faq/

🎖 Honors College at Hampton University

Hampton University’s Freddye T. Davy Honors College is a selective academic program designed for high-achieving students seeking enriched coursework, close faculty mentorship, and preparation for prestigious national and international scholarships.

Important clarification: Hampton’s Honors College emphasizes academic enrichment and external scholarship preparation. It does not publish a dedicated set of Honors-only institutional scholarships with fixed award amounts.

Feature	Details
Admission Type	Competitive • Separate application required
Who Should Apply	High-achieving students with strong academic records who are interested in research, leadership development, and competitive postgraduate opportunities
Academic Experience	Honors seminars, interdisciplinary coursework, faculty-mentored research, and enhanced academic advising
Scholarship Focus	Preparation and nomination support for nationally competitive external scholarships (e.g., Rhodes, Marshall, Gates Cambridge, Truman)
Housing / Perks	Priority academic advising, specialized programming, and access to Honors community resources (housing benefits are not clearly defined or guaranteed)

FAQ — Honors College at Hampton University

Does the Honors College come with an automatic scholarship?
No. Hampton does not advertise a guaranteed Honors-only institutional scholarship. Any financial awards tied to Honors participation are not clearly published and should not be assumed.

So why do students join the Honors College?
The primary value is academic enrichment, faculty mentorship, and structured preparation for highly competitive external scholarships and fellowships.

Can Honors students still receive merit or competitive scholarships?
Yes. Honors participation does not replace Hampton’s automatic merit or competitive institutional scholarships and may strengthen a student’s overall academic profile.

Is Honors admission guaranteed if my grades are high?
No. Admission is competitive and typically considers academic strength, recommendations, and demonstrated motivation beyond basic GPA and test scores.

Are external scholarships handled by the Honors College?
Yes. The Honors College plays a key role in advising, vetting, and nominating students for major external scholarships such as Rhodes, Marshall, and Gates Cambridge.

For students interested in graduate study, research careers, or nationally competitive fellowships, Hampton’s Honors College can be a strong academic launchpad — just not a guaranteed source of additional institutional funding.

⭐ College Specialty

Hampton University is a private HBCU with a long-standing reputation for combining strong STEM programs, a nationally respected nursing pipeline, and a deep foundation in the liberal arts. Families are often drawn to Hampton for its balance of academic rigor, professional preparation, and an environment that emphasizes leadership, service, and graduate-school readiness.

Nationally Recognized Strength:
Nursing & Health Sciences — Hampton is widely known for producing well-prepared nursing and health science graduates, with strong licensure outcomes and placement into hospitals, graduate programs, and health-related professions across the country.

Engineering: One of the more established engineering programs among private HBCUs, offering degrees in chemical, civil, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering with a strong emphasis on research readiness and graduate study.
Business: Hampton’s School of Business supports pathways in management, accounting, and entrepreneurship, with alumni representation in corporate leadership, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Education: Long recognized for teacher preparation and educational leadership, with graduates serving in K–12 systems and higher education nationwide.
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Strong foundations in biology, chemistry, psychology, and the social sciences, supporting pre-med, pre-law, and research-oriented students.

🔗 Official Hampton University Links

Use Hampton University’s official resources below to confirm admissions requirements, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, eligibility rules, and award details.

Undergraduate Admissions:

Home
Application Deadlines & How to Apply (Freshman):

How to Apply (Freshman)
Scholarship Information (Automatic & Institutional):

Scholarship Information
Hampton University Scholarships Portal:

Landing Page
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:

Tuition and Fees 2025-2026
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/hampton
Honors College (Freddye T. Davy Honors College):

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