Virginia Commonwealth University vs Hampton University: which has better ROI?
Hampton University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $101,276 in 9.4 years versus 9.6 years at Virginia Commonwealth University, on median earnings of $59,159 vs $58,128 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Virginia Commonwealth University | Hampton University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,433 | $25,319 |
| Total net cost | $93,732 | $101,276 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,128 | $59,159 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $25,442 |
| Payback | 9.6 yrs | 9.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $101,628 | $114,704 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Virginia Commonwealth University or Hampton University?
Virginia Commonwealth University, at $23,433 a year after aid versus $25,319 — a gap of $1,886 a year, or $7,544 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Virginia Commonwealth University or Hampton University graduates earn more?
Hampton University graduates report a median $59,159 ten years after entry, $1,031 more than the $58,128 at Virginia Commonwealth 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, Virginia Commonwealth University or Hampton University?
Virginia Commonwealth University: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $25,442 at Hampton University, a difference of $3,942. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at Virginia Commonwealth University, against 57% at Hampton 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.