Howard University vs Hampton University, Which is better?

Howard University vs Hampton University

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Howard University is a private historically black research university located in Washington, D.C., in the Washington metropolitan area. Admissions are somewhat selective, with Howard having an acceptance rate of approximately 35%. It is a mid-sized school with approximately 7,000 undergraduate students. Howard's most popular majors include biology, political science, communications, psychology, and business administration. Howard's six-year graduation rate is about 64%, and graduates earn median earnings of around INR 5,200,000, or $62,500, a decade following graduation.

Hampton University is a historically Black private university in Hampton, Virginia, within the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Admissions are moderately selective, with Hampton's acceptance rate at about 46%. Hampton is a mid-sized institution with about 4,400 undergraduate students. The most popular majors at Hampton are business administration, nursing, engineering, biology, and social sciences. Hampton's six-year graduation rate is about 55%, and its alumni have median earnings of about INR 4,600,000, or $55,500, ten years after graduation.

Overview Comparison
Howard UniversityHampton University
ranking (overall)# 1001 QS World University 2026
# 1001 QS World University 2025
# 1263 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 280 US News 2024
# 1291 Center for World University Rankings 2022
# 1286 Center for World University Rankings 2021
ProgramsUG Programs -29
PG Programs -21
UG Programs -30
PG Programs -15
Acceptance Rate34.9 %48.3 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
SAT-1090
TOEFL-90
IELTS-6.5
SAT-980
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   28256
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  32155
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 28962 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   13188
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  23762
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 26803 Per Year
placement (average package)

Some of the programs and the average salary are below:

BBA: $104,000

Bachelor of Science: $90,000

Bachelor of Arts: $61,000 


Some of the majors and the average salary are:

Psychology, General: $42,000

Biology/Biological Sciences, General: $45,100

Business Administration and Management, General: $53,500

Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other: $53,500


application requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit essays

Submit letters of recommendation

Submit test scores

Submit English language requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit English language requirements

Check program specific requirements


Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

exam scoresGRE - 298/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 90/120Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 87/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -32155Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -
application datesDec 1, 2024 (Early Application Deadline For 2025 Intake)
Feb 15, 2025 (Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake)
Apr 15, 2025 (Regular Decision Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake)
Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Mar 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsHoward UniversityHampton University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1867
1868
Student:Faculty Ratio8:1
13:1
Male:Female31% Male, 69% Female32.8% Male, 67.2% Female
Location Facts

The 256-acre (1.04 km2; 0.400 sq mi) campus, often referred to as "The Mecca", is in northwest Washington, D. C. 


Hampton University is a private, historically black, research university in Hampton, Virginia. 


Library

University has two libraries: Founders library and the law library. Both the libraries provide wide range of resources like journals, databases, publications etc.


here are currently four libraries  on the Hampton University campus.

The William R. and Norma B. Harvey library is the main academic library. The 125,000 square foot building is designed to deliver the library’s services and resources to the academic community in the most efficient way. The Harvey Library houses the Center for Information Technology (CIT) which manages Hampton University’s main computer lab and computer help center known as the Academic Technology Mall (ATM). Other departments under the Center for Information Technology include the Data Conversion Management Lab (DCML), Media Productions and Network Services.

The other campus libraries are the William H. Moses Jr. Architecture Library, the Music Library, and the Nursing Library.


Campus Life

There are over 200 student organizations and special interest groups established on campus. Howard University is the founding site of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and five of the nine NPHC organizations. Howard Homecoming week is the most prominent and richest cultural tradition of the institution.Over 100,000 of alumni, students, celebrity guests, and visitors are in attendance to patronize the many events and attractions affiliated with the festive week on and near campus. Springfest is an annual tradition created by the Undergraduate Student Association (UGSA) to celebrate the arrival of spring. Springfest is similar to homecoming week in the fall but on a smaller scale and with more emphasis on the student body. Springfest events traditionally include the Fashion Show, Talent Show, Vendor Fair, Poetry Showcase, Beauty Conference, Charity Basketball Game, and a major community service event. The schedule of events changes slightly each year. The Bison Ball and Excellence Awards is an annual black tie gala hosted by the Howard University Student Association (HUSA). A select number of students, faculty, organizations, and administrators from the Howard community are honored for their exceptional accomplishments. This event takes place near the end of every spring semester. Resfest week is a Howard tradition that involves freshmen living in residence halls on campus competing in several organized competitions (field day, academic debate, dance, stroll, step-show, etc.) for campus bragging rights. This event takes place on campus near the end of every spring semester.


When you’re not studying, you’ll find tons of things to do and places to visit both on and off campus to entertain, enliven, and empower you. Whether you’re working out at the Student Center or participating in our annual Black History Extravaganza, your leisure time at HU is sure to be as mentally and spiritually rewarding as your studies. Perhaps even more so.

Hampton University currently hosts over 55 student organizations to help you learn new things, meet new people, and build a wealth of memorable experiences. And if we don’t have the club you’re looking for, grab a few friends and start one!

With an event calendar full of attractions, prepare to be entertained with dozens of concerts, recitals, theatrical performances, and movies throughout the year.


Hostel#Housing - $11152
#Housing - $17810
#On campus - $11218
#Off campus (not with family) - $12285
#Off campus (with family) - $3300
Famous Alumni

Ben Ali, co-founder and owner of Ben's Chili Bowl, a landmark restaurant in Washington, D.C.

David Bullock, American tech entrepreneur and media executive 

David Castain,  American entrepreneur and philanthropist. Left a life of crime to found a marketing agency and study towards a doctorate

H. Naylor Fitzhugh, one of the first African-American graduates of Harvard Business School; credited with creating the concept of target marketing

Cathy Hughes, founder and executive of TV One, Radio One

Vernon Jordan attorney; senior managing director; Lazard Freres & Co. LLC; former president, National Urban League


Leslie Garland Bolling, early 20th-century wood carver

John T. Biggers, Harlem Renaissance muralist and founder of the Art Department at Texas Southern University

J.I.D rapper, signed to Dreamville Records in 2017

Ruth E. Carter , 1982 Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; Academy Award in costume design for Black Panther [80]

Spencer Christia, n former weatherman for Good Morning America, 1986–1998

Brian Custer,  Sports broadcaster; ESPN SportsCenter anchor and Showtime Championship Boxing host [81]

Rashida Jones,  first African-American to lead a major cable news network (MSNBC)


City Life

The Washington, D.C., metro area has the perks of a large urban area. It's serviced by an extensive public transit system and is home to plenty of restaurants, performance venues, museums, public parks and other cultural sites. Meanwhile, each neighborhood in the district and its surrounding towns has its own atmosphere. Residents gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks and converse at coffee shops, creating an ambiance similar to that of a much smaller community. D.C. metro area residents don't want for things to do. The district is home to numerous cultural attractions, including several Smithsonian museums, theaters and year-round markets. The area also encompasses a blossoming restaurant scene that will please any foodie, and plenty of nightlife venues, from the trendy bars along the U Street Corridor to concerts at The Anthem on the wharf and the famous 9:30 Club. Living in the district is expensive. The median home sale price is significantly higher than the national median.


Hampton, Virginia is a charming city known for its historical significance and beautiful beaches. Located on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, it boasts an abundance of outdoor activities like sailing, fishing, kayaking and more. Historic sites like Fort Monroe and the Hampton Carousel offer visitors an insight into the city's past while museums like the Hampton History Museum provide educational experiences. There are also plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options available in Hampton as well as wonderful schools, parks, and other amenities that make it a great place to live.


Weather
Comparison Notes

Howard University vs Hampton University

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

Howard University is an historically Black university (HBCU) ranked at about #1005 in U.S. News Best Global Universities, about 801–1000 in Times Higher Education World Rankings, and 1001–1200 in QS World University Rankings 2026. The strengths of Howard University are in the area of Social Sciences, Public Policy, Medicine, and the Arts, which is in line with its historical function of cultivating African American leaders in law, politics, and culture. Hampton University, another HBCU established in 1868, is smaller and regionally known, lacking significant global ranking, with emphasis on fields of study like Business, Education, Engineering, and the Sciences. While Howard maintains larger national and global awareness, Hampton excels in a close-knit campus environment and teaching and applied degree programs. 

General Information

Howard University, which began in 1867 in Washington, D.C., has over 12,000 students, evenly divided between undergraduate and graduate studies. It provides students with exposure to an active urban environment, cultural agencies, and political networks, bolstering its historical purpose of African American leadership. Hampton University, established in 1868 in Hampton, Virginia, enrolls approximately 4,500 students, predominantly undergraduates, and is characterized by its close-knit sense of community, residential campus life, and historic status as one of the oldest HBCUs that focuses on liberal arts and professional education.

Acceptance Rate & Admission

Howard University's acceptance rate is approximately 35%, taking into account academic performance, leadership, community service, and dedication to its mission of service. Hampton University is moderately selective with an acceptance rate of approximately 40–45%, with an emphasis on academic achievement, potential for leadership, and personal character. Both institutions prioritize a supportive community of African American students but are slightly more competitive and well-known nationally, with Howard University being one. 

Research Impact & Facilities

Howard University is strong in medicine, law, social sciences, and policy studies, backed by such facilities as the Howard University Hospital and specialized research institutes for treating health disparities and social justice. Hampton University places greater focus on applied business, education, and science research, as well as quality undergraduate research. Howard is nationally prominent in research productivity and African American studies leadership, while Hampton places stronger emphasis on instruction and student preparation for professional practice.

Cost & Financial Aid

Howard University's cost is approximately $32,000 per year for undergraduates and has scholarships and need-based aid available, so it is a fairly priced private institution. Hampton University's cost is a bit less, at about $30,000 per year, with institutional scholarships and financial aid packages. Both institutions are committed to making higher education accessible to African American students, but Howard's larger endowment means there can be more support in certain areas.

Graduate Studies & Research

Howard University boasts a history of graduating highly influential African American leaders such as Thurgood Marshall, Kamala Harris, and Toni Morrison, with graduates who are highly visible in law, politics, education, medicine, and social justice. Median incomes for Howard graduates are approximately $66,600 ten years after graduation. Hampton University graduates are in education, business, engineering, and the sciences, with graduates gaining recognition in regional and professional communities. Median incomes are slightly less, around $55,000 ten years out of college, given Hampton's smaller size and local emphasis. While Howard has better national reputation and research contribution, Hampton provides a tighter campus community with personal mentoring and robust applied career training.