Deciding which college to attend is probably one of the most important decisions you will make. It will have a significant impact on your life, both personally and professionally, and signifies the start of your career. This article takes a look at Hofstra University specifically and aims to answer the question, “Is Hofstra a good school?”
We will take a deep dive into key factors that make Hofstra one of the universities you should consider attending. We will look into Hofstra ranking results by leading university rankings sources, what Hofstra is known for, the school’s program offerings, and its graduation rates.
Hofstra Profile
- Campus Location(s): Hempstead, New York
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $49,410
- Annual Graduate Tuition: $27,180
Hofstra University is a private university that was founded in 1935 in Long Island, NY. It offers approximately 165 undergraduate degree options, 175 graduate options, three first-professional degrees, and 20 dual degrees. These programs are offered through Hofstra’s 15 colleges and schools.
The school recently had a total enrollment of 10,243 students, including 6,050 undergraduates, 2,863 graduates, 911 law school students, and 419 students in the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. With about 2,418 faculty members, it has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 and an average class size of 21. All the programs offered by Hofstra are fully available to students with disabilities.
Where Is Hofstra?
Hofstra is located in Hempstead, Long Island, New York. The school prides itself on having a beautiful and energetic campus, with 116 buildings on 244 acres. It offers distance learning through an online school that allows students to learn from the comfort of their homes. Students of some of Hofstra University’s programs have the choice to learn fully online, fully on campus, or through a mix of both.
What Is Hofstra Known For?
Hofstra is known for offering small class sizes, high-quality education, and a strong network of peers and mentors for students. Many of its programs feature hands-on learning through real-world experiences, such as internships and paid positions. Hofstra is the first school to offer a Master’s Degree in Forensic Linguistics.
Is Hofstra Ivy League?
No, Hofstra is not an Ivy League school. The Ivy League consists of eight schools that are known to be the oldest, strongest, and most prestigious academic institutions in the United States. It was founded in 1954 as an athletic conference between these schools, and the schools still hold their value.
Ivy League schools are first-tier universities with close to 100 percent retention and graduation rates and very low acceptance rates. There are additional schools that are considered to be Ivy League material, with equally strong prominence and academic value. Hofstra could be considered one of those schools.
How Big Is Hofstra?
Hofstra is a small school with a student body of just over 10,000 distributed across the undergraduate and graduate levels. It has 6,050 undergraduates, 2,863 graduates, 911 law school students, and 419 medical students. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 and an average class size of 21. The campus sits on 244 acres and has 116 buildings, including an arboretum and bird sanctuary.
Is a Degree From Hofstra Good?
Yes, a degree from Hofstra is good. Hofstra University is one of the top-ranked schools in the US, which gives its students an advantage in the job market. It is consistently highly ranked in multiple categories by US News & World Report, including being number 162 in the best National Universities category for 2022 and by other respected ranking sources.
How Much Does Hofstra Cost?
Hofstra costs $26,107.25 per semester for full-time undergraduate students taking between 12 and 17 credits. Additional credits, and credits for part-time students, are $1,752 per credit. It costs $1,605 per credit for graduate students in the Zarb School of Business and $1,570 per credit for graduate students in all other programs, except the graduate audiology and MBA programs, which have their own tuition rates.
Hofstra Financial Aid
Hofstra University’s financial aid options are plentiful, with about 98 percent of students getting some form of financial aid. Students have aid opportunities through private loans, Federal Direct Loans, Grad PLUS Loans, Hofstra Aid, Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOGs), TEACH Grants, federal work-study programs, Aid for Part-Time Students (APTS), New York State Tuition Assistance Program (NYS TAP), and scholarships.
Hofstra Scholarships
- Hofstra University Trustee Scholars Program. This scholarship is awarded to about 15 students every year. It is awarded to the highest achieving first-year students and covers their full tuition. Students are selected based on the information provided on their school admission applications.
- Hofstra University Presidential Scholars. This scholarship is awarded to about 25 percent of newly admitted students. It ranges from $29,000 to $30,500 per year, and students are selected based on merit as determined via their admission applications.
- Hofstra University Provost Scholars. This award ranges from $25,500 to $27,500 per year and is awarded to about 35 percent of newly admitted undergraduate students. Recent recipients of the award scored between 1120 and 1600 on their SAT exam, or the ACT equivalent, and had a weighted GPA between 3.2 and 4.3.
- Hofstra University Transfer Scholarship. Hofstra also provides scholarship opportunities to newly admitted transfer undergraduate students. The amount ranges from $14,500 to $19,500 and is awarded based on the information provided by students on their admission application, including their GPA at the time of acceptance.
- Hofstra University Assistance Grant. This is a need-based scholarship that grants up to $3,000 a year to students who demonstrate family needs. It is available to students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in time.
Hofstra Rankings
While Hofstra is not an Ivy League school, it is one of the high-ranking universities in the US and globally. It is ranked in multiple categories by US News & World Report, Times Higher Education, the Center for World University Rankings, and QS World University. Find more information on each of these below.
Hofstra US News & World Report Ranking
Hofstra ranks number 162 on the Best National Universities list by US News & World Report, as well as number 152 in Best Colleges for Veterans, number 108 in Best Value Schools, number 275 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, and number 39 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, among others.
Hofstra Times Higher Education Ranking
Hofstra is ranked 301 to 350 in the World University Rankings by Times Higher Education. It ranks number 207 in the US Rankings category and 251 to 300 in the Clinical, Pre-Clinical, & Health category. It ranks 301 to 400 in Education and 301 to 400 in psychology.
Hofstra Center for World University Rankings
Hofstra is ranked number 1,148 by the CWUR in its World Rank category, number 244 in the National Rank category, number 421 in Quality of Education, number 732 in Alumni Employment, and number 1,105 in Research Performance. It has a total score of 69.4 by the organization.
Hofstra QS World University Rankings
According to QS World University Rankings, Hofstra University is among the top 501 to 550 schools in the world for medicine. It also ranks 151 to 160 on the US Universities ranking.
Hofstra Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
Hofstra isn’t ranked by the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Top Programs at Hofstra
Hofstra offers numerous in-demand degrees from bachelor’s to doctoral-level programs as well as professional and certificate programs. This section covers some of the best programs at each academic level.
Bachelor’s Degrees at Hofstra
Some of the best bachelor’s degree programs offered at Hofstra University are in business, engineering, and the arts. Here is a close look at the school’s top undergraduate programs.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
This accounting degree has two tracks, the BBA in Accounting and the BBA in Accounting: CPA Licensure Track, both of which prepare students to start careers as professional accountants. However, only the CPA Licensure Track prepares students to become licensed accountants in New York.
The program requires a minimum of 120 to 150 credit hours, depending on the preferred track. Students can also choose the BBA/MS option, which allows them to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at the end of the program.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
This program will equip students with the knowledge necessary to become professionals in the field of computer engineering. It covers both the hardware and software aspects of computer engineering, and at the end of the program, students will be capable of working as computer engineers, software engineers, or web developers. It can be completed in four years and requires a minimum of 125 credit hours.
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts
This program will build students’ skills in critical thinking, interdisciplinary work, collaboration, and community. It requires a minimum of 124 credits and covers courses that teach graphic design processes, digital design, contemporary art, 2D design, and life painting.
Master’s Degrees at Hofstra
The best master’s degree programs at Hofstra University are offered to both working professionals who want to advance in the field and students who want to deepen their studies. Some of these programs can also be completed as joint degree or dual degree programs.
Master of Science in Engineering Management
This program is offered both online and on campus. It is designed for students to gain the skills and knowledge required to join the field through hands-on experience that includes internships and paid positions. Students must complete 30 hours of coursework, which includes courses such as project management, engineering quality management, and a capstone project.
Master of Science in Data Science
This 30-credit data science program will instill the relevant knowledge and skills required to practice in the information technology field. Students will gain knowledge in data engineering, quantitative research, and data analytics through coursework and hands-on experience, including internships, paid positions, and a capstone project.
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Master of Arts in Forensic Linguistics
This one-of-a-kind program will teach students to use linguists’ core tools to analyze language in law enforcement, legal, and other real-world settings. The 36-credit, two-year program is taught by instructors who have had experience working with the FBI on counterterrorism efforts and criminal cases. Students will learn through advanced courses and real-life experience.
Other Top Programs at Hofstra
The following are a few of the best programs beyond the bachelor’s and master’s levels offered by Hofstra. These programs can be completed by students who have recently completed their baccalaureate or master’s degree or are working professionals who want to boost their skills.
Doctor of Philosophy in The Molecular Basis of Medicine
This program is offered by the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Students in this program will be trained to conduct independent research in the biomedical, translational, and clinical fields.
It emphasizes the study of human diseases and how to apply the study to clinical practice. During the program, students can practice in the field to improve their skills by working in various hospitals.
Certified Financial Planner Program
This program aims to improve the financial planning skills of working professionals. It is open to those in various fields, including accounting, law, banking, and insurance. Students of this program have to complete and pass seven courses in areas such as income tax planning, investment planning, and risk management to sit for the certification exam.
Joint Degree in JD/MBA Program
This is a joint degree program offered by the schools of law and business at Hofstra University. The program helps students build a strong foundation in both business and law, enabling them to pursue careers in either field upon graduation. It can be completed in four years and requires students to meet certain business school and law school requirements to graduate.
How to Apply to Hofstra
- Choose your preferred program. Before beginning the application process, review the various academic programs offered by the school and select the one that interests you. Check the requirements of the specific program to ensure you qualify.
- Meet your assigned counselor. The school provides admission counselors to prospective students to assist with the paperwork. It is recommended that you meet with a counselor, either in person or remotely, to make the process easier.
- Complete an online application. Proceed to complete the application, which is usually available online. The application process requires you to fill in relevant information about yourself, including your academic experience.
- Pay the application fee. Hofstra’s application fee of $70 can be paid online. Your application won’t be considered complete until the fee is paid.
- Send your documents. These documents include your high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, essays, a guidance counselor’s recommendation, and, for international students, proof of proficiency in English, which language tests can provide.
How Much Do Hofstra Graduates Earn?
Recent Hofstra graduates earn an average starting salary of $56,000 up to one year after graduating, according to the school’s data, with 38 percent of them earning $60,000 and above, 23 percent earning between $50,000 and $60,000, 17 percent earning between $40,000 and $50,000, and 22 percent earning less than $40,000. However, depending on the job role Hofstra graduates can earn above the national average.
Is Hofstra a Good College?
Yes, Hofstra is a good college because it offers high-quality education to students. Students learn through coursework and hands-on experience that prepares them for their careers. It is a top-ranked school with small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, so students get the chance to be close to their instructors and bond with their peers. This makes learning easier and more fun.
Is Hofstra a Good School? FAQ
Hofstra University is more prestigious than most schools in the US but not as prestigious as the Ivy League schools. US News & World Report ranked Hofstra number 162 in the National Universities list and 108 in the Best Value Schools list. While these numbers might not sound impressive, there are nearly 4,000 colleges and universities in the US, so the university’s position in these lists is actually quite good.
No, Hofstra is not hard to get into, but it is not easy either. It has an acceptance rate of 62 percent, which is low compared to most other schools. This shows that it is quite selective in its admission process. However, with a good GPA, you have a higher chance of being admitted. The school also accepts international students.
What is special about Hofstra University is its small population, small class sizes, and beautiful campus. This makes it easier for students to learn, interact, and grow. Hofstra bootcamps are also offered by the university for students looking to acquire qualifications in a short amount of time.
No, Hofstra is not a historically Black college or university. It does report that 43 percent of its undergraduate students and 49 percent of its medical students are people of color and prides itself on having strong values and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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