The University of Hard Knocks was an honorary society conceived by West Virginia newspaper editor Jim Comstock in 1947. The society served in a lighthearted way to recognize people who had succeeded in life without the benefit of a college degree. The University of Hard Knocks had its own seal, which included a motto in Latin that translated to "Blood, Sweat and Tears." The official colors were black and blue.

Those who wished to become members of the University of Hard Knocks were either nominated by an alumnus or presented their credentials to the president. A membership committee then decided who would be accepted. There was a one-time charge, and in Comstock's day the annual membership fee included a subscription to his West Virginia Hillbilly newspaper, where the success stories of the new graduates were printed. New members would share their stories with alumni during the annual commencement weekend that took place about the first of June on the campus of the former Alderson-Broaddus University in Philippi.

While the society continued in name until the closure of Alderson-Broaddus in 2023, it apparently stopped inducting new members about 2009. With that school's closure, the University of Hard Knocks' status is up in the air.