Selective45% Acceptance Rate

Chances of Getting Into Hampton University

Hampton, Virginia Private University • #150 National • Founded 1868

Hampton Admissions Statistics 2025–2026

45%
Acceptance Rate
3.4
Average GPA
1080
Average SAT
22
Average ACT
17,000+
Total Applicants
1,000
Class Size
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio

Hampton SAT & ACT Scores

SAT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range990-1170
Average1080
10001600

ACT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range19-24
Average22
2036

About Hampton University

Hampton University is a prestigious historically Black university (HBCU) on the Virginia Peninsula, known for producing leaders across business, science, journalism, and the arts. With a beautiful waterfront campus on the Chesapeake Bay, Hampton combines academic excellence with a rich cultural tradition.

Top Programs

NursingBusinessBiologyEngineeringJournalism

What Makes Hampton Unique

  • One of the top-ranked HBCUs in America — consistently ranked in the top 3 nationally
  • Beautiful 314-acre waterfront campus on the Chesapeake Bay
  • Strong STEM programs — Hampton's proton therapy cancer research center is the only one at a university in the US
  • Produces more African American PhDs in physics than almost any other university in the nation
  • Rich history dating back to 1868 — Booker T. Washington was a student and later head of the school

Hampton Cost & Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Tuition$28,704/yr
Total Cost$42,000/yr
Median Earnings (10yr)$46,800/yr

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Aid85%
Avg Aid Package$18,000+
School TypePrivate

Hampton Application Deadlines

Regular Decision
March 1
Early Decision
November 1

How to Get Into Hampton: Admission Tips

1

Hampton is more selective than many people realize — a 45% acceptance rate means strong credentials matter

2

Apply Early Decision for a better chance and to demonstrate strong interest

3

Essays should show leadership potential and commitment to community — Hampton values character

4

Highlight STEM interests if applying to science or engineering — Hampton's programs are nationally competitive

5

Attending Homecoming or visiting campus shows genuine interest in the Hampton culture and community

The Brutal Truth About Hampton Admissions

The numbers are brutal. With a 45% acceptance rate, Hampton rejected over 9,350 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.

Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Hampton, having a 3.4 GPA and 1080 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.

The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Hampton doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.

Bottom line: Apply if Hampton genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 45%-acceptance-rate basket.

Hampton Admissions FAQ

What is the acceptance rate at Hampton University?

Hampton University has an acceptance rate of 45% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 17,000+ applicants, approximately 1,000 students were admitted to the incoming class.

What GPA do I need to get into Hampton?

The average GPA of admitted students at Hampton University is 3.4. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.25, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.

What SAT score do I need for Hampton?

The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Hampton students is 990-1170. The average SAT score is 1080. For ACT, the range is 19-24 with an average of 22.

Is Hampton hard to get into?

Yes, Hampton University is selective with an acceptance rate of just 45%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.

How much does Hampton cost?

Tuition at Hampton University is $28,704 per year, with total cost of attendance at $42,000. However, 85% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $18,000+.

What are my chances of getting into Hampton?

Your chances of getting into Hampton University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 45% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.

Free — No credit card required

What Are Your Chances at Hampton?

Enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars. Get a personalized, brutally honest assessment of your odds — plus scholarship estimates.

Trusted by 65+ students. AI-powered. Takes 2 minutes.

Popular Majors at Hampton

Explore Your Chances by GPA

Related Schools

Explore All Schools