Hofstra University
Hofstra was founded as a branch campus for NYU, but two years later became an independent institution in 1937. The campus is designated as both an arboretum and a statue garden and spring is the perfect time to visit and see everything in bloom! The Hofstra logo is shaped like a tulip which reflects its warm and welcoming community, and the campus features over fifteen varieties and tens of thousands of individual tulips.
There are 6200 undergraduates at Hofstra, plus another 4000 graduate students. Classes average 21 students and are capped at 60. Application review is holistic and test-optional, with approximately 30% of last year’s incoming class submitting test scores. Admissions counselors recommend submitting test scores if you achieve at least a 1270 SAT or a 28 ACT. Scholarships range from $8K to $40K per year.
There are several academic programs worth noting: Nursing BSN, 4+4 BSMD, LEAP 6 year BA/JD, PALS support program for students with LDs and/or ADHD. Hofstra students have various advisors working with them to ensure they feel supported in every aspect of their college experience. They can work with an academic advisor, a faculty advisor in their major, a financial services advisor, a career advisor and an advisor at the Center for Academic Excellence. There is also a robust support system for first-generation college students (students for whom neither parent has a four-year degree from a US institution). Mental health counseling at Hofstra is unlimited and available 24/7, which is rare!
Hofstra is an R2 institution where students have access to high-level research projects. They graduate with an average of more than two internship experiences because they’re encouraged to start early in their time on campus. There is a student-run record label, and Hofstra has the only college radio station that broadcasts professional sports; WRHU is the radio home of the New York Islanders. Business, Communications, Health and Social Services are the most popular areas of study, and experiential learning is woven throughout the curriculum. Hofstra has a Law School and a Medical School in addition to other graduate programs.
The University also has 21 Division I NCAA “Hofstra Pride” sports teams with two lions as mascots. Greek life is robust, but optional, with 20-30% of the student body joining one of the 20 organizations. All students are eligible to study abroad either for a semester, or through a shorter, faculty-led trip. Proximity to NYC means students have access to lots of social opportunities, and Hofstra hosts concerts on campus every couple of weeks.
Who would thrive at Hofstra?
Hofstra is known for its programs in communications and broadcasting, business, psychology, education, and pre-health, though they offer lots of other majors for students to explore too. They have also hosted presidential debates and might appeal to politically-minded students. The school’s location will allow any student to benefit from a residential campus experience while also visiting the city and the beach.
Notable Alumni:
Lawrence Herbert - Invented the Pantone Color Matching System, the Hofstra School of Communication is named in his honor
Christopher Walken - Oscar-winning actor known for his distinctive speech and roles in The Deer Hunter, Pulp Fiction, Catch Me If You Can, and the infamous SNL sketch “More Cowbell”
Nelson DeMille - Author known for suspenseful novels often set on Long Island such as “Plum Island”, “The Gold Coast”, and “The General’s Daughter” which was adapted into a film starring John Travolta and James Cromwell
Raheem Morris - Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons, previously coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Rams, winning a Super Bowl with each
Kathryn Marinello - President & CEO of PODS, former CEO of Hertz
Andrew Garbarino - Representative for New York’s 2nd Congressional District, a moderate Republican known for breaking with his party on high-profile issues, Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee
Randy Levine - President of the New York Yankees, Founder of the YES Network, previously served as New York City’s Labor Commissioner and worked for the US Department of Justice
David Paterson - 55th Governor of New York, first legally blind governor in the US, first African-American governor of New York
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