Hampton University Expands Scholarships, Launches Workforce Initiative
University reports that nearly half of incoming freshmen receive merit aid
In a recent announcement, Hampton University noted that colleges nationwide are confronting rising tuition costs and delays in financial aid. In response, the school states that it is strengthening its commitment to affordability and student success through expanded scholarships, alumni support, and a new workforce training initiative.
Hampton announced that for the 2025–26 academic year, nearly half of Hampton’s incoming freshmen have been awarded merit-based scholarships, with packages ranging from $10,000 annually to full-ride awards covering tuition, housing, meals, and books. The school’s tuition of $30,84 is below the national private university average of $47,890 and the University continues to position itself as a best-value institution.
National rankings reflect that value. LinkedIn recently ranked Hampton No. 5 among 102 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for graduate career outcomes, while U.S. News & World Report lists Hampton at No. 273 among National Universities, with high marks in social mobility and affordability.
In the school’s press release, President Darrell K. Williams asserts these investments are part of a larger mission, stating that the University is “building bridges, ensuring students are financially prepared to register, enroll, and flourish.”
$2 Million Workforce Enterprise Revives Vocational Roots
The National Hampton Alumni Association (NHAA) reports that the University has launched the Virginia Workforce Enterprise, a $2 million initiative designed to address shortages in skilled labor while honoring the university’s historic vocational roots. The association noted that the school was first established in 1868 to train newly freed men and women in essential trades, and is now applying that legacy to 21st-century workforce needs.
The program will provide intensive training in construction, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare technical support, and renewable energy. Industry partners will help design courses, offer apprenticeships, and provide hands-on training, ensuring students graduate with both technical skills and strong professional networks.
“This is not just workforce development—it’s community development, economic empowerment, and educational excellence in action,” Williams was quoted as saying by the alumni association.
Alumni Fund Supports Students in Crisis
The National Hampton Alumni Association (NHAA) is also playing a crucial role in supporting students through the Student Emergency Fund, which provides micro-grants for those facing unexpected financial hardships. For students at risk of leaving school due to sudden tuition-related expenses, these small grants often mean the difference between dropping out and completing a degree.
One recipient shared, “Without the support of the fund, I would not have been able to pay my tuition and continue my education. This grant allowed me to focus on my studies and keep my life together during a difficult time.”
Visit Hampton: A College Guide to the City
Outside the classroom, students are finding resources in the city itself through Visit Hampton’s College Guide for Students. The guide highlights walking tours of historic neighborhoods, cultural attractions such as the Hampton University Museum and Casemate Museum, and free events across the city.
Outdoor options include Buckroe Beach, Sandy Bottom Nature Park, and Bluebird Gap Farm, while fitness opportunities range from climbing at Latitude Climbing & Fitness to community center classes. The guide also points students toward restaurant districts, coffee shops for studying, and an updated calendar of festivals and events.
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