Historic HBCU founded 1868, pioneering research in atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and aerospace.
Hampton University offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across nine schools: Business, Engineering/Architecture/Aviation, Journalism & Communications, Liberal Arts & Education, Nursing, Pharmacy, Religion, Science, and Graduate College. The university is classified as an R2 research institution with 16 research centers and 97 distinct programs. Notable strengths include atmospheric science, cancer treatment research, aerospace engineering, and nursing. The university maintains a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and emphasizes a holistic education combining technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs.
Hampton traces its roots to 1861 when Mary Smith Peake began teaching freedmen under the Emancipation Oak. Formally established in 1868 by the American Missionary Association under General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, the institution pioneered teacher training for formerly enslaved people. The university became the wealthiest school serving African Americans by 1900 through successful fundraising and external relations. It evolved from Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (1868–1930) to Hampton Institute (1930–1984) to Hampton University (1984–present), reflecting its expansion into comprehensive research and graduate education.
The 314-acre campus sits on the banks of the Hampton River near Hampton Roads, featuring a National Historic Landmark District with historic buildings including Virginia-Cleveland Hall, the Emancipation Oak, and Monroe Memorial Church. The Hampton University Museum, founded 1868, is the nation's oldest African-American museum. Students represent nearly 44 states and 32 territories. The university offers NCAA Division I athletics (FCS, CAA), the renowned HU Marching Force, Greek life, and 97 academic programs. Residence halls and dining facilities support the close-knit residential community.
Hampton University operates 16 research centers and is designated a Carnegie R2 research institution with high research activity. The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute is the largest free-standing proton therapy facility in the world. The university generates an annual economic impact of $530 million across the region and Commonwealth of Virginia. Research strengths include atmospheric science, cancer treatment, aerospace engineering, and workforce development. The institution is classified as a space-grant university and maintains strong partnerships with NASA Langley Research Center and other regional enterprises.
Hampton welcomes applications from first-year, transfer, international, and re-entering students. The university employs a holistic admissions approach evaluating academic achievement, leadership potential, and ethical values. Test-optional policy allows students with 3.6+ unweighted GPA or top 10% class rank to forgo standardized tests. The Office of Admissions provides comprehensive support including campus tours, scholarship information, and transfer credit evaluation. The university seeks future leaders across arts, business, education, engineering, health, journalism, law, medicine, and sciences.