Hofstra University is a private nonprofit university primarily located on Long Island, NY, in Hempstead. It is also classified as a large research university. They offer campus and online study at the undergraduate and graduate level through 11 different discipline-based schools, not counting the Honors College.
Hofstra also has the honor of being an NCAA Division I school, whose nickname is currently The Pride. Notable alumni include award winning actors, directors, politicians, and professional sports players.
Who Are Hofstra University?
Hofstra University was founded in 1935, then as an extension of New York University or NYU. At the time, it operated under the name Nassau College – Hofstra Memorial of New York University at Hempstead, Long Island. They separated from NYU and adopted the name Hofstra College in 1939, and earned university status in 1963. They were the first private university on Long Island.
Hofstra holds 25 academic and programmatic accreditations in a variety of areas. They’ve also been approved by the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals Approval Commission, the American Alliance of Museums, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.
Hofstra Mission & Goals
Hofstra University’s primary mission is exactly what you’d expect: to provide all of their students with a quality education, in a supportive, nurturing environment that encourages student success. Each of their other values and goals stem from this central motive. They’re committed to the ideals of academic integrity and freedom, the preservation and sharing of knowledge. And they’re determined to use their knowledge and research to better the world as a whole, and to enable their students to do the same.
Hofstra University upholds specific values and goals to achieve this. Those include:
- A Liberal Arts Approach: Hofstra aims to encourage intellectual curiosity by providing students with the opportunity to learn across disciplines.
- A Focus on Careers: Hofstra designs their programs to help students prepare for their futures.
- A Diverse Community: Hofstra is dedicated to maintaining a diverse school community, including faculty, staff, and students from all walks of life.
- Pursuit of Excellence in Instruction: Hofstra believes in providing faculty with the opportunity for scholarly exploration and research, so that student education can be informed by their instructors’ own learning.
- Effective Resources: Hofstra makes an effort to provide their learning community with the technological and information resources they need.
- Social and Ethical Responsibility: Hofstra strives to encourage social and ethical responsibility and provide students with opportunities to study and exercise global citizenship.
Global Responsibility at Hofstra University
Hofstra University believes that it’s their responsibility to use their expertise, education, and resources to make a difference. And through that example, they might inspire their students to do the same. Hofstra University shapes their academic programs accordingly, using research initiatives to solve problems and draw attention to important issues. They exercise environmental stewardship through sustainability policies, and provide their school community with community service opportunities to better their local community.
Hofstra Online & Distance Learning
Need a little more flexibility in your higher education? Hofstra University offers both online and hybrid programs, designed to accommodate a range of student needs. Fully online programs enable students to complete degree or certificate programs from their own internet-enabled device, where and when is convenient for them. Meanwhile, hybrid programs combine the perks of fully online and campus-based education. Additionally, many of Hofstra’s campus-based courses incorporate some element of online learning. Many of these online programs are offered at the graduate level. In online or hybrid programs, Hofstra students could earn degrees and certificates in areas like policy, education, and business.
Life on Campus at Hofstra University
For students who choose to be part of their diverse campus community, Hofstra strives to foster the most welcoming, supportive environment they can. In addition to the academic resources they offer—including technology, library, and departmental resources—students may find opportunities to get involved in all sorts of ways. Here are just a few examples of the types of things you might get involved with.
- Community Service Opportunities, and the Center for Civic Engagement
- Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Tutoring
- Student Associations
- Student Clubs and Organizations (including cultural, religious, academic, social, and other interests)
- Student Government
And more! Hofstra also maintains healthy living resources to help students stay on top of their game, as well as academic support systems, technology, and even campus employment opportunities.
Hofstra Athletics
Want to stay fit? Thrive on competition? Hofstra Athletics offers a range of opportunities you may be interested in. Whether you prefer the more casual nature of intramural sports, or intercollegiate athletics, Hofstra might have something for you.
Intramural teams at Hofstra include both the expected and unexpected. For example, you might get involved with floor hockey, Ultimate Frisbee, basketball, flag football, touch rugby, soccer, and even capture the flag. There’s even a Quidditch team called the Flying Dutchmen!
If you want to take it to the next level, consider one of Hofstra’s NCAA Division I intercollegiate teams. Known as the Hofstra Pride, men’s and women’s teams include the following.
- Hofstra Baseball
- Hofstra Basketball
- Hofstra Cross Country
- Hofstra Field Hockey
- Hofstra Golf
- Hofstra Lacrosse
- Hofstra Soccer
- Hofstra Softball
- Hofstra Tennis
- Hofstra Volleyball
- Hofstra Wrestling
If you think you might want to get involved with one of these teams, make sure to inquire about what that may entail.
Hofstra University Majors and Schools
Hofstra University currently offers 155 undergraduate programs, and 170 graduate program options, meaning that whatever your passion, you might pursue it here. And you could do so learning from the best! Hofstra faculty includes Pulitzer Prize winners, Fulbright winners, Guggenheim fellows, and more.
Hofstra’s array of degree and certificate programs are offered via discipline-specific colleges. Each one is comprised of a range of related subject area departments. These colleges are designed to offer students in each major the resources, support, and experience they might need to thrive in their program. Depending on the program, that could include laboratory and technology experiences, observation, internship experiences, research opportunities, and more.
Listed below are the schools you might become a part of, as a student in one of Hofstra’s programs.
- Hofstra College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Academic Health Sciences Center
- Fred Dematteis School of Engineering & Applied Science
- School of Education
- Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies
- Frank G. Zarb School of Business
- Maurice A. Deane School of Law
- School of Humanities & Performing Arts
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
- Lawrence Herbert School of Communication
- School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Applying to Hofstra University
Thinking about applying to Hofstra University? If you’re applying to an undergraduate program for the first time, there are a few different ways you could do it. Hofstra offers two early action periods prior to their regular decision process, which is rolling. Early action at Hofstra is non-binding and non-restrictive.
Additionally, Hofstra uses a test-optional policy, with standardized testing required only in specific circumstances. Those include students who were home schooled for high school, international students, students for whom English is not their first language, and program-specific requirements.
Students applying to Hofstra may need to submit the following items.
- Official high school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Counselor Recommendation Form
- Official Scores (if required in your circumstances)
- Personal Statement (recommended)
- School interview (recommended)
- Additional documentation if needed, such as AP or IB transcripts
- Program or situationally specific requirements, if any
The above list is subject to change. For more information about the application process at Hofstra University, reach out to the school.
Hofstra Financial Aid & Scholarships
Concerned about how you might cover your Hofstra University Tuition? Hofstra offers a range of resources, guidance, and other avenues that could potentially make this a little easier. That includes everything from education to financial aid and scholarships, if you qualify. Those include:
- Locked-In Tuition Plans: This means that, as a Hofstra student, by enrolling in this program, you could make sure that you pay the same tuition you start with, all four years, rather than worrying about the price going up.
- Interest Free Payment Plans: This means that by dividing your tuition balance into monthly installments, you could avoid generating interest on your outstanding balance. Several options may be available.
- Tuition Insurance Plans: Similar to other insurance plans, this basically means that, if you’re enrolled in this plan and need to withdraw due to illness or accident, you might be able to minimize your financial losses due to tuition expenses.
- Need-Based Grants: These are administered based on the information you provide on your FAFSA prior to the stated deadline.
- Merit Awards and Scholarships: Hofstra maintains several merit-based scholarship programs that are open to first-year students who qualify. These may focus on academic achievement, athletics, leadership, and creative achievements. Some awards may also be available based on financial need.
To learn more about payment plans, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities and how to qualify, contact your admissions representative for more information. You may also be interested in our article, Saving and Paying for College.
Fast Factsi
Want to learn more about Hofstra enrollment, success, and other details? Here’s a quick primer to help draw a clearer picture of life at Hofstra University. This data is, unless otherwise indicated, based on enrollment data from Fall 2016.
- Total enrollment is 11,145
- Hofstra University Acceptance Rate 62% - 64%
- 54% of undergraduate students identify as female
- 94% of undergrads attend full time
- 71% of graduate students attend full time
- 43% of students are from out of state
- 82% retention rate (Fall 2015-2016)
- 64% graduation rate
- 53% completed their program within four years
Hofstra University Ranking
Hofstra University has been recognized over the years for the quality of the education and overall experience they offer their students. A snapshot of those rankings is listed below.
US News & World Report 2018 issued the following rankings for Hofstra.
- #132 in National Universities
- #81 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #71 in Best Value
- #106 in High School Counselor Rankings
- #38 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
- #36 in Best Online MBA Programs
- #56 in Best Online Graduate Education Programs
- Other subject-area specific graduate program rankings
Additionally, The Princeton Review included Hofstra in the following categories.
- Best 382 Colleges
- Best Northeastern
- Best College Radio Station
Learn More and Apply to Hofstra University
Think Hofstra might be the school for you? Learn more by filling out the form here and requesting more information. Then, schedule your visit or an interview, ask any questions you might have, and start your application!
[i] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=hofstra&s=all&id=191649
