Hofstra University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 19, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~68%
- Middle 50% ACT: 29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1280
- Average GPA: 3.75
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: Hofstra is still within reach for many students, but merit aid will likely be limited. Focus on GPA strength, course rigor, and a clean application to maximize your chances.
- In the typical ranges: This is the sweet spot for both admission and merit. You’re likely to be admitted and receive some level of automatic scholarship, but the size of the award can vary quite a bit.
- Well above the ranges: This is where Hofstra becomes a strong financial play. Top students are the ones most likely to land the higher-end merit awards (up to ~$34K/year), though it’s still not guaranteed.
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📌 Hofstra University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Trustee Scholars Program & Amsterdam Exchange Scholarships)
Average Net Price
$35,129/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$10,000–$35,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
10 opportunities
3 automatic · 1 competitive · 6 hidden gem
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 2.7+; ACT TBD+ / SAT 1030+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 15 • FAFSA: Feb 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Trustee Scholars Program & Amsterdam Exchange Scholarships
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
Hofstra is one of those private schools where the merit system actually works in your favor—but only if you understand how it’s structured. Every admitted student is automatically considered, and the range can go pretty high (up to about $34,000 per year), which is real money—not just marketing.
The key is realizing this isn’t a “full ride” school. It’s a “discount the sticker price” school. Families who win here are the ones who stack that merit with FAFSA aid and (if you’re in New York) TAP or Excelsior. This is a strong fit for students with solid academics who want a private-school experience—but still need the numbers to make sense in the final offer.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Hofstra University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 29; SAT: 1280.
Average net price? About $35,129/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Hofstra University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$59,960 |
$59,960 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$19,687 |
$19,687 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$79,647 |
$79,647 |
Average Federal Net Price: $35,129 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Reciprocity & Regional Discounts: Hofstra is a
private university and does not participate in
WUE, MSEP, or other state reciprocity programs. Tuition is the same for all students nationwide, but New York residents
may qualify for
TAP or
Excelsior state grants to help reduce costs.
COA FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
At Hofstra, there’s no in-state or out-of-state pricing—everyone pays the same tuition because it’s a private university.
How much can aid actually lower the cost?
The average family paid around $35,000 per year after institutional scholarships and grants, according to federal data.
Do I need to apply separately for discounts or merit?
No. There are no reciprocity programs, but all applicants are automatically considered for Hofstra’s merit scholarships when applying for admission.
Sources:
https://www.hofstra.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-fees.html
https://www.hofstra.edu/student-financial-services/financial-aid.html
https://www.hofstra.edu/student-financial-services/financial-aid/scholarships.html
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?191649-Hofstra-University=
https://datausa.io/profile/university/hofstra-university/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Hofstra reviews every admitted first-year for institutional merit (no separate app). Awards below are per year and reflect Hofstra’s published ranges; selection is holistic.
Automatic
Presidential Scholars
📅 Deadline: Nov 15 or Dec 15 (Early Action recommended for strongest scholarship review) · 📢 Results: EA1 notifications begin Dec 15; EA2 notifications begin Jan 15; RD notifications begin around Feb 1
✓ Renews (2.8 GPA, 4 yrs)
$35,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~1300 SAT👥 ~Approximately 31% of admitted first-year students receive this level of scholarship. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Institutional academic scholarships are tuition-only and generally may not exceed tuition when combined with other Hofstra institutional awards; other need-based aid and external scholarships may stack up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Hofstra lists Presidential scholarships with an award range of $35,000 per year, with typical SAT/ACT equivalent and GPA ranges provided as guidance; selection remains holistic and tuition-only.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top first-year admits with very strong academics, typically SAT/ACT-equivalent 1300–1600 and weighted GPAs around 3.9–4.3, often in the top 10% of their class.
Automatic
Provost Scholars
📅 Deadline: Nov 15 or Dec 15 (Early Action recommended for strongest scholarship review) · 📢 Results: EA1 notifications begin Dec 15; EA2 notifications begin Jan 15; RD notifications begin around Feb 1
✓ Renews (2.8 GPA, 4 yrs)
$29,500–$34,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.2+ GPA✎ ~1150 SAT👥 ~Approximately 40% of admitted first-year students receive this level of scholarship. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Tuition-only institutional award that generally cannot exceed tuition when combined with other Hofstra institutional scholarships; may be combined with need-based aid and outside scholarships up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Official page lists Provost scholarship range as $29,500–$34,000 per year with associated SAT/ACT and GPA guidance; award is tuition-only and renewable with a 2.8 Hofstra GPA and full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-year admits with solid to very strong academics, typically SAT/ACT-equivalent 1150–1590 and weighted GPAs around 3.2–4.3, selected through holistic review.
Automatic
Dean’s Scholars
📅 Deadline: Nov 15 or Dec 15 (Early Action recommended for strongest scholarship review) · 📢 Results: EA1 notifications begin Dec 15; EA2 notifications begin Jan 15; RD notifications begin around Feb 1
✓ Renews (2.8 GPA, 4 yrs)
$10,000–$29,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 2.7+ GPA✎ ~1030 SAT👥 ~Approximately 27% of admitted first-year students receive this level of scholarship. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Tuition-only institutional award that generally may not exceed tuition when combined with other Hofstra institutional scholarships; may stack with need-based aid and external scholarships up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Dean’s scholarships have an official range of $10,000–$29,000 per year; page notes typical SAT/ACT and GPA guidance but emphasizes holistic selection.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admissible first-year students with a wide range of solid academic records, typically SAT/ACT-equivalent 1030–1560 and weighted GPAs around 2.7–4.3, evaluated holistically.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
The above ranges match Hofstra’s guidance for who “will likely receive” each award. Selection is still holistic, and awards are tuition-only. Renewal requires full-time enrollment, maintaining the scholarship GPA in your award letter (typically 2.8+ at Hofstra).
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do they superscore?
Yes. If you submit scores, Hofstra will superscore the SAT and ACT (highest section scores across test dates). Test submission is optional; top awards are more likely for those submitting scores.
Is a separate scholarship application required?
No. All admitted first-years are automatically reviewed for merit; Early Action (Nov 15 or Dec 15) is recommended for strongest scholarship review.
Can these stack with other aid?
Institutional scholarships are tuition-only and typically cannot exceed tuition when combined with other Hofstra awards. Need-based grants and external scholarships may stack up to cost of attendance, check your award letter for details.
Sources:
Hofstra First-Year Scholarships – https://www.hofstra.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships-grants.html
Admission Deadlines – https://www.hofstra.edu/admission/first-year.html
Scholarship Renewal Policy – https://www.hofstra.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships.html
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
These are Hofstra’s top, highly competitive scholarships that go beyond the automatic merit awards. They usually cover full tuition and are offered only to a small group of the strongest applicants each year.
Full TuitionAutomatic
Trustee Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Nov 15 or Dec 15 (Early Action strongly recommended for Trustee consideration)
✓ Renews (2.8 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition scholarship
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Highly selective full‑tuition merit scholarship at Hofstra for top applicants; no separate application, but stats are typically top 10% with very high test scores or equivalent.
👥 ~Approximately 30 new Trustee Scholars selected per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full tuition and generally replaces other Hofstra institutional tuition scholarships; federal, state, and external aid may be used toward room, board, and other costs, but total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Program is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship for highly impressive applicants; recipients are typically invited to the Rabinowitz Honors College and must maintain renewal criteria specified in their award letter.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Roughly 30 of the strongest first-year admits each year, typically in the top 10% of their class with around a 1540 SAT/ACT equivalent and a weighted GPA near or above 4.2, plus demonstrated leadership and service.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Flagship Scholarship FAQ
What makes the Trustee Program competitive?
Only about 30 new recipients are chosen from thousands each year. Selection is holistic: beyond top academics, winning students show leadership, service, and distinction on their applications.
Do you need to apply separately?
No, the Trustee Scholars award requires no additional application. But Early Action (by Nov 15 or Dec 15) is strongly recommended—most scholarships are awarded at that time.
Can Trustee Scholars stack with other aid?
Because it covers full tuition, this scholarship replaces other institutional tuition awards. Federal and external scholarships can be used for room, board, and fees.
Sources:
Trustee Scholars Program & Stats – https://www.hofstra.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships-grants.html
Admissions Deadlines – https://www.hofstra.edu/admission/first-year.html
Hofstra University Bulletin – https://bulletin.hofstra.edu/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond the big merit awards, Hofstra has smaller programs and niche scholarships that can help reduce costs. These often target special groups of students or unique opportunities like study abroad or ROTC.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Study Abroad & Research Grants
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (winter/spring abroad); Mar 1 (summer/fall abroad and research projects)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards are small, one-time grants that can stack with institutional scholarships and other aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Hofstra’s study abroad or undergraduate research programs with a faculty-supported proposal by the posted term deadlines.
Selection criteria: Emphasis on academic standing, quality and feasibility of the proposed study abroad or research experience, and faculty support.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Amounts and availability vary by year and program; CRP table summarizes typical $500–$2,500 grant range and standard term-based deadlines.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Engaged students in good academic standing who secure faculty approval for Hofstra-sponsored study abroad or research projects and submit strong applications.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ Upperclassmen Onlypipelinemajor_specific
Amsterdam Exchange Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Late February (for full-year or semester scholarship in the following academic year)
Non-Renewable
Full Tuition
full tuition scholarship for Amsterdam exchange term
✔ Stackable
⚠ Full‑tuition study‑abroad scholarships for selected Hofstra undergrads participating in the University of Amsterdam exchange; limited spots and typically tied to certain majors/programs
🏫 3.4+ GPA👥 ~Six full-tuition scholarships per year; three reserved for Zarb School of Business majors. winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Scholarship covers Hofstra tuition for the Amsterdam exchange term; students remain responsible for travel and living expenses and may use other aid for those costs, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply and be accepted to the University of Amsterdam exchange program through Hofstra’s Study Abroad/Provost’s Office, then complete the Amsterdam Scholarship Exchange application by the late February deadline.
Selection criteria: Selection based on academic performance, strength of application, relevance of Amsterdam study to academic goals, and, for some awards, Zarb major status.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs awards six full-tuition scholarships for a semester or full year; three are reserved for Zarb School of Business students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving juniors and seniors accepted to the Amsterdam exchange, with at least a 3.4 GPA; three of six awards typically go to Zarb School of Business majors.
App Required
WorldChangers Scholarship Contest
📅 Deadline: Apr 1, 2025 (contest entry deadline at 11:59 p.m. EST)
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Ten winners per contest cycle winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Nonrenewable $1,500 scholarship that can be applied in addition to other institutional aid up to cost of attendance; prize is forfeited if the winner does not enroll for fall 2025.
📄
How to Apply
Admitted students to the Hofstra undergraduate class enter the #HUWorldChanger social media contest by posting a qualifying text, photo, or video response with required hashtags and following the official rules by April 1, 2025.
Selection criteria: Judged on creativity, clarity, and strength of response to how the student will be an HU World Changer.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Official rules specify ten winners each receiving a $1,500 nonrenewable scholarship; entries must be public social media posts with required hashtags and content.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Ten admitted students to Hofstra’s undergraduate class who submit standout #HUWorldChanger contest entries demonstrating how they plan to make an impact.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Booster Alumni Endowed Spirit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 15 (typical annual deadline via Spirit/Support or Alumni channels)
✓ Renews
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award can stack with academic merit and other aid as long as total does not exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Spirit/Alumni scholarship process, documenting participation in pep band, dance, cheer, twirling, or mascot roles and meeting any GPA requirements.
Selection criteria: Selection based on level and quality of spirit participation and maintenance of required GPA.
💡
Strategic Detail
Endowed scholarship funded by alumni to support students contributing to campus spirit; CRP table summarizes typical award range and participation-based renewal.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who actively participate in Hofstra spirit groups—pep band, cheer, dance, twirlers, or mascot—and maintain required GPA and continued involvement.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
LGBTQ+ Activism Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies by scholarship; typically posted in spring on Hofstra’s internal scholarship portal.
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards and any summer stipends generally stack with merit aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Hofstra’s scholarship portal when LGBTQ+ activism-related scholarships are posted, submitting required essays and documentation of leadership and advocacy.
Selection criteria: Focus on depth of activism, leadership impact, and continued engagement with LGBTQ+ causes.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table aggregates small, donor-driven awards described generally for LGBTQ+ activism and leadership; specific amounts and criteria vary by fund and year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a strong track record of LGBTQ+ activism or leadership who submit compelling applications through the scholarship portal.
App Required
New Opportunities at Hofstra (NOAH)
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
NOAH academic scholarship packages are built from Hofstra funds plus federal and state grants and loans; awards are based on FAFSA-determined need and may adjust each year.
📄
How to Apply
Submit Hofstra admission application, file the FAFSA, and apply to the NOAH Program by February 1 through the NOAH office; selected students complete an interview and provide required documentation.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing academic promise, financial need, and commitment to NOAH’s academic and support programs.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
NOAH provides academic, financial, and social support; financial award letters for NOAH academic scholarship recipients are based on FAFSA-determined need and Hofstra plus federal/state funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Motivated first-year students from lower-socioeconomic backgrounds who show academic promise, financial need, and a strong commitment to participating in NOAH support programming.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Award amounts may fluctuate based on endowment, donor, and program resources. Deadlines are typical annual dates; always confirm with the Financial Aid or Study Abroad office for the precise cycle.
- Student Leadership Awards — recognition (not tuition awards)
- First-Generation resources (linked to support, not direct scholarships)
- Multiple departmental/graduate program scholarships (see separate portals)
Hidden Gem FAQ
What is NOAH?
It’s Hofstra’s signature access program pairing financial, social, and academic support for motivated students with need. Application due by Feb 1.
Do study abroad grants cover all travel?
Most offset costs, but only the Amsterdam Exchange covers full tuition; check with Study Abroad for details.
How do ROTC scholarships work?
Hofstra students may join Army ROTC, with scholarships covering full tuition for selected cadets; requires national application (HS: Jan 15 deadline, campus-based rolling).
Sources:
NOAH Access Scholarship – https://www.hofstra.edu/noah/admission-financial-aid.html
Hofstra Study Abroad & Amsterdam Exchange – https://www.hofstra.edu/academics/international/study-abroad/amsterdam.html
WorldChangers Scholarship – https://www.hofstra.edu/admission/world-changers.html
Spirit/Booster Endowed — https://www.hofstra.edu/student-affairs/spirit-support.html
🎖️ Honors College
The Stuart and Nancy Rabinowitz Honors College (RHC) at Hofstra offers motivated students small classes, mentorship, and a community that makes a big university feel more personal. Admission is by invitation for top first-years—and self-application for current Hofstra students and transfers—creating multiple entry points for strong scholars.
What a Typical Hofstra Honors Student Looks Like:
Average SAT/ACT around 1390/31, weighted GPA above 4.0, top 10% of high school class. Rigorous AP/IB coursework, leadership, and service are common markers for both first-years and students who apply later.
Perks of Honors at Hofstra:
- Priority registration for courses
- Dedicated Honors housing community
- Small, seminar-style classes and faculty mentorship
- Opportunities for research, thesis projects, and NYC cultural events
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No—top applicants are invited after admission, but other qualified students (3.4+ Hofstra GPA or 3.5+ as transfers) may self-apply any time after their first semester. Honors admission is holistic and considers leadership and rigor.
Does the Honors College add time to a degree?
No. Honors courses are designed to align with any major so that students still graduate on time.
Are there extra scholarships?
Hofstra Honors College (RHC) does not publish standalone full-tuition scholarships, but honors students consistently earn top flagship merit awards, and can access dedicated grants for study abroad, research, and conference travel.
What are the deadlines?
Early Action (Nov 15 or Dec 15) is recommended for first-year applicants to maximize invitation odds; current students may apply to RHC as soon as they finish their first semester. Transfer students with a 3.5+ GPA are eligible upon admission.
Sources:
Rabinowitz Honors College Overview – https://www.hofstra.edu/honors-college/
Honors College Application/Admission – https://www.hofstra.edu/honors-college/apply.html
Hofstra Scholarships – https://www.hofstra.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships-grants.html
Financial Aid/Deadlines – https://www.hofstra.edu/tuition-aid/
⭐ College Specialty
Hofstra is a private university on Long Island best known for its hands-on learning, media connections in New York City, and strong professional schools. Families often hear about its award-winning student radio station and dual-accredited business programs, but Hofstra also shines in health, nursing, and partnerships with Northwell Health. While not classified as an R1 research university, it has built a reputation for career-ready programs tied to industry pipelines.
Standout Program:
🎙️ Broadcast Journalism & Media — Hofstra’s WRHU (88.7 FM) has won the National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for “College Station of the Year” four times (2014, 2019, 2022, 2023). It also serves as the flagship station for professional sports teams, giving undergraduates unique, nationally recognized on-air experience.
- Frank G. Zarb School of Business — Holds dual AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting (a distinction earned by fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide).
- Nursing & Health Professions — Clinical placements through partnerships with Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare system, provide direct pipelines to jobs.
- Law & Public Policy — Maurice A. Deane School of Law is regionally ranked and noted for family law and health law programs (U.S. News 2024 specialty rankings).
Final Thoughts
Sorting through Hofstra’s costs and scholarships can feel overwhelming, but when you break it down the picture is clearer: strong automatic merit for most admitted students, one flagship full-tuition scholarship for the very top, and plenty of hidden opportunities through programs like NOAH, ROTC, and study abroad. Paired with its standout programs in media, business, and health, Hofstra offers both financial pathways and academic value that can make a private education more affordable than it first appears.
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