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69.3%Acceptance
$55,450Tuition
6,155Students
67%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$69,039Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Hofstra University

Hofstra builds media moguls and business leaders just 25 miles from Manhattan. The 6,155-student campus has launched careers for Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola and soap opera legend Susan Lucci. Business and communications students land competitive internships at major corporations and media companies thanks to the Long Island location. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number.

Students pay an average of $35,129 after financial aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $29,667. Graduates earn a median of $69,039 ten years out, making the $23,621 in typical debt manageable with $250 monthly payments. The 91.8% employment rate suggests the New York proximity pays off for job hunting. About 27% of students receive institutional grants averaging $30,958.

The Pride compete in 17 Division I sports with $10.9 million in athletic scholarships available. Campus housing accommodates 3,500 students on the suburban Hempstead campus. The 67% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but those who finish benefit from strong alumni networks in media and finance. Nearly 62% of students come from New York state, creating a regional community feel.

Academics & Faculty

Hofstra operates as a private research university with particularly strong business and communications programs that leverage its proximity to New York City for extensive internship opportunities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 67% four-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to complete their degrees. The university has built a reputation for its Frank G. Zarb School of Business and its School of Communication, which benefits from connections to media industries in nearby Manhattan. With 83% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, most students find the academic environment engaging enough to stay. The research university designation means undergraduates can participate in faculty research projects alongside graduate students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
40.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
67.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
67.1%
Retention Rate
83.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$69,039
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
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Campus Life

Hofstra's 240-acre campus sits just 25 miles from Manhattan, giving students easy access to internships and entertainment in the city. About 57% of the 6,155 students live on campus in residence halls that house up to 3,500 students. Long Island winters require a solid coat, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking between the campus's mix of modern and traditional buildings.

The university's proximity to NYC shapes weekend culture, with many students taking the train into Manhattan for internships, jobs, or nightlife. On campus, Division I athletics draw crowds, especially basketball games at the David S. Mack Sports Complex. The student body of 56.49% women and 43.51% men creates an active social scene around Greek life and student organizations. With 83.11% of students returning each year, the campus maintains a tight-knit feel despite being a research university. Students often balance academics with internships at nearby media companies, financial firms, and entertainment venues that value Hofstra's strong business and communications programs.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
3,500 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1935

Campus Safety (2023)

29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 5 4 0 0
Rape 5 3 0 0
Stalking 4 2 0 0
Dating Violence 3 2 0 0
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
27°–41°F
July Avg
67°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
45.3"
Annual Snowfall
18.5"

Student Demographics

Hofstra draws a regionally diverse crowd with 62% coming from New York and the surrounding area. The student body of 6,155 reflects the school's strong reputation among middle-class families seeking access to New York City opportunities. Women make up 56% of students, drawn particularly to Hofstra's well-known communications and media programs. The campus brings together a mix that's 48% white, 17% Hispanic, 15% Asian, and 9% Black. Students typically choose Hofstra for its internship pipeline into Manhattan's business and entertainment industries.
Men
43.5%
Women
56.5%
White
48.2%
Black
8.8%
Hispanic
17.1%
Asian
14.8%
In-State Students
61.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
24.3%

Location

Hofstra sits in Hempstead, New York, just 25 miles east of Manhattan. The campus occupies 244 acres in Nassau County on Long Island, placing students within easy reach of New York City's internship and job markets. The suburban setting offers a traditional college experience while maintaining direct train access to Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road. The university draws 61.94% of its students from New York State, many attracted by this balance of campus life and city proximity. Long Island's business corridor and media companies provide extensive networking opportunities for Hofstra's strong business and communications programs. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Hofstra with similar schools in the region.
Address
Hempstead, New York 11549
Jonathan D. Cooper
Jonathan D. Cooper

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$69,039
Median Earnings (5 years)
$71,515
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$42,800
Loan Repayment Rate
71.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$250/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,621

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Hofstra University?

Hofstra University accepts 69.33% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1190-1370 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on attracting solid academic performers who can handle rigorous business and communications programs.

How much does Hofstra University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $35,129 after aid, despite the full sticker price of $74,170. About 27% of students receive institutional grants averaging $30,958, helping offset the high private university costs for families seeking proximity to New York City internship opportunities.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Hofstra University?

Hofstra maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 6,155 total students, allowing for personalized attention in competitive programs. The university is particularly known for strong business and communications departments that benefit from small class sizes and extensive internship connections.

What do graduates of Hofstra University typically earn?

Hofstra graduates earn a median salary of $69,039 ten years after graduation, with a strong 91.8% employment rate. The university's location near New York City and reputation in business and media helps explain why alumni like Francis Ford Coppola and James Caan have found success in competitive industries.

Where is Hofstra University's campus located?

The campus sits in Hempstead, NY, a large suburban setting on Long Island with housing for 3,500 students. This location provides easy access to New York City internships and job opportunities while maintaining a traditional college campus experience away from urban congestion.

Does Hofstra University have Division I athletics?

Hofstra competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Coastal Athletic Association, fielding 17 varsity sports with 390 total athletes. The Pride athletic program awards over $10.9 million in athletic scholarships, demonstrating the university's commitment to competitive sports alongside academics.