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Radford University vs Hampton University: which has better ROI?

Public, Radford VA · vs · Private nonprofit, Hampton VA

The verdict

Hampton University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $101,276 in 9.4 years versus 10.8 years at Radford University, on median earnings of $59,159 vs $53,739 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureRadford UniversityHampton University
Net price / yr$14,578$25,319
Total net cost$58,312$101,276
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,739$59,159
Median debt$24,000$25,442
Payback10.8 yrs9.4 yrs
20-year net return$49,268$114,704

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Radford University or Hampton University?

Radford University, at $14,578 a year after aid versus $25,319 — a gap of $10,741 a year, or $42,964 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Radford University or Hampton University graduates earn more?

Hampton University graduates report a median $59,159 ten years after entry, $5,420 more than the $53,739 at Radford University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Radford University or Hampton University?

Radford University: its completers carry a median $24,000 in federal loans versus $25,442 at Hampton University, a difference of $1,442. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at Hampton University, against 49% at Radford University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Radford University vs Hampton University: frequently asked questions

Is Radford University or Hampton University a better value?
Hampton University. It clears its $101,276 net cost in about 9.4 years versus 10.8 years at Radford University, on median earnings of $59,159 vs $53,739 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Radford University or Hampton University?
Radford University: $14,578/yr net price after aid versus $25,319/yr at Hampton University — a difference of $10,741 a year, or about $42,964 over four years.
Do Radford University or Hampton University graduates earn more?
Hampton University graduates earn a median $59,159 ten years after entry, versus $53,739 at Radford University — a $5,420 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.