These standings position Hampton as #1 HBCU in Virginia.
Hampton, Va. (September 23, 2025) – Hampton University has once again secured its place in the nation’s spotlight in the newly released U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Colleges Rankings. Hampton maintains its ranking in the Top 10 HBCUs for the second consecutive year, holding strong at #7, and continuing to define what academic excellence and student achievement look like at a premier institution of higher learning.
A Tradition of Excellence, Measured in Outcomes
Hampton’s rankings reflect a deliberate focus on outcomes that matter most to students and families:
- Student Success – Hampton students graduate on time at higher rates, propelled by robust support and mentorship.
- Social Mobility – The University opens doors of opportunity for first-generation and non-traditional students, ensuring equitable access to life-changing degrees.
- Return on Investment – Hampton graduates surpass national earnings benchmarks within four years, proof of the University’s career-focused education and strong employer partnerships.
- Affordability & Debt Reduction – Expanded scholarships and funding pathways reduce financial burdens and set students on firmer ground post-graduation.
- Academic Standings– Faculty research and national program recognition amplify Hampton’s standing among the nation’s top institutions.
- Student Resources – Strategic investments in advising, mentoring, and student life drive persistence, retention, and lifelong success.
“Hampton’s legacy is rooted in access and excellence,” said Darrell K. Williams, President of Hampton University. “These rankings prove that legacy is alive, thriving, and measurable. Hampton is delivering stronger graduation outcomes, higher career placement, and wider opportunities that are being recognized across the nation.”
Defining Distinction in Degrees
Hampton’s programs were further reinforced with recognition in specialized academic programs:
- The University ranked as having one of the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. Hampton is a top producer of Black engineers throughout the world.
- The Institution received national acknowledgement for undergraduate Computer Science and Psychology programs.
- Hampton boasts national recognition for graduate programs in Physics, Earth Sciences, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology, showcasing Hampton’s role in advancing high-demand fields.
“Our progress is intentional,” said Dr. Betty Stewart, Executive Vice President & Provost. “We’re aligning resources with student success, sharpening career readiness, and ensuring the Hampton degree remains one of the most valuable investments in higher education. This is the Hampton advantage.”
Hampton University: A National Leader in Research, Innovation, and Opportunity
Hampton University is a prestigious Carnegie R2-designated research institution, nationally acclaimed for its pioneering work in atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and aerospace. With an annual economic impact of $530 million across the region and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hampton stands as a powerful engine of innovation, workforce development, and inclusive economic growth.
Consistently recognized for academic excellence and transformative outcomes, Hampton ranks in the Top 10 HBCUs by U.S. News & World Report, was recently named one of the “Best Colleges in America” by Money magazine, and honored as the “Best Private College” by Coastal Virginia Magazine.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a proud, close-knit, vibrant community of scholars, representing nearly every 44 states and 32 territories. With a legacy rooted in empowerment and education, the university is committed dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, preparing students to lead with purpose and integrity in a rapidly evolving world. Learn more at: www.hamptonu.edu
For media inquiries, please contact Richelle Payne in the Office of University Relations at universityrelations@hamptonu.edu.
