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Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA·Private nonprofit·876 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $59,000 within 10 years; generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

50%
Accept
876
Students
$24,668
Net Price
65%
Grad Rate
$59,000
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

Hampden-Sydney College is a private nonprofit institution located in Hampden-Sydney, Virginia with approximately 876 undergraduate students enrolled. Hampden-Sydney College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 50%. The average net price after financial aid is $24,668 per year. The graduation rate is 65%, and the typical graduate earns $59,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Hampden–Sydney College (H–SC) is a private liberal arts college for men in Hampden Sydney, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1775, it is the oldest privately chartered college in the Southern United States, the tenth-oldest college in the US, the last college founded before the American Declaration of Independence, and the oldest of the four-year, all-male liberal arts colleges remaining in the United States. Hampden–Sydney College is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register, and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

One of the oldest all-male liberal arts colleges in the country, this historic Virginia institution offers a tight-knit experience with just 876 students and a reasonable median debt of $19,500 at graduation. The numbers tell a mixed story, though — a 65% graduation rate is notably below the national average, meaning roughly 1 in 3 students don't finish, which is worth a serious conversation. Worth considering if you thrive in a small, brotherhood-oriented environment and value tradition, but make sure you visit and honestly assess whether the culture and support structure are the right fit for you.

Founded
1775
Setting
Distant rural

Popular Programs

Social Sciences30%
Business & Marketing22%
Biological Sciences17%
Psychology4%
English4%
Physical Sciences4%
Engineering2%
Mathematics1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

William Henry HarrisonStephen ColbertJohn PhillipsSterling PriceScott CooperFrancis SchaefferGeorge M. BibbJohn S. MosbySkipp SudduthRobert HurtWilliam Branch GilesWilliam Cabell Rives

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1168
Reading 75th %ile620
Math 75th %ile610

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite24

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$52,388
Out-of-State Tuition
$52,388
Avg Net Price
$24,668
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants22%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
65%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
85%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$59,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$43,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$59,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White78%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (876 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Hampden-Sydney College

College Road

Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943-0128

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Virginia

Browse all Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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