Hampshire College vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Hampshire College in Amherst, MA with Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Union University is larger than Hampshire College based on total student enrollment (1,646 students vs. 844 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hampshire College is located in Amherst, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Hampshire College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hampshire College 13:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

Hampshire College vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hampshire College or Virginia Union University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Virginia Union University than Hampshire College ($11,483 vs. $27,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Union University are 31% lower than at Hampshire College ($11,016 vs. $15,958).
• Hampshire College is 237.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Virginia Union University (about $41,446 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 237.5% higher at Hampshire College than at Virginia Union University (about $41,446 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hampshire College than at Virginia Union University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hampshire College students is 163.3% larger than aid received by Virginia Union University students ($46,145 vs. $17,524).

Hampshire College vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hampshire College or Virginia Union University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Virginia Union University and Hampshire College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia Union University 850/885.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hampshire College - Test-free; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hampshire College Jan 15, 2027.
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than Hampshire College (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at Hampshire College vs. 14.3% at Virginia Union University.

Hampshire College vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hampshire College and Virginia Union University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Hampshire College's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Graduates from Hampshire College earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have a $10,219 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($23,531 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($243 vs. $348).
• More Hampshire College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 19%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.