Hofstra University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and renewal GPA rules
- Competitive awards and transfer scholarships
- How to plan applications and stack aid the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~69%
- Middle 50% SAT / ACT (submitted): 1200–1360 SAT | 26–31 ACT
- Average High School GPA: ~3.75 unweighted (avg 3.9 weighted)
- Testing Policy: Test-optional (SAT/ACT not required)
Source: Hofstra University Common Data Set and institutional reporting (2024–25 class profile).
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Hofstra at a Glance
Last verified: October 23, 2025
Hofstra offers strong merit aid for academically driven students — most students receive institutional awards automatically when admitted. The top Provost and Dean Scholarships can reach up to $34,000 per year, and transfer students can qualify for additional awards. While Hofstra doesn’t offer a full-ride, its generous aid and state grants (for New York residents) make a private education much more affordable.
Use this guide to understand the merit tiers, FAFSA timelines, and how to stack aid smartly with New York programs like TAP and Excelsior.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes. Hofstra is test-optional and will consider SAT/ACT only if submitted.
What’s the average net price? Approximately $35,129 after grants and scholarships (IPEDS 2023).
Are there full-tuition awards? No general full-ride exists, but top merit tiers cover roughly half of tuition costs.
How can New York residents reduce cost further? Eligible students should apply for state aid through TAP and Excelsior alongside Hofstra’s FAFSA-based aid.
https://www.hofstra.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-fees.html
https://www.hofstra.edu/admission/first-year/requirements.html
https://www.hofstra.edu/student-financial-services/financial-aid/scholarships.html
https://www.hofstra.edu/honors-college/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?191649-Hofstra-University=
https://datausa.io/profile/university/hofstra-university/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Hofstra University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–17 credits) | $59,960 | $59,960 |
| Housing & Meals (standard plan) | $19,687 | $19,687 |
| Total (billed by the university, before aid) | $79,647 | $79,647 |
Note: This table includes direct, billed costs (tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals). Additional indirect expenses—like books & supplies (~$1,000), transportation (~$1,000), and personal costs (~$1,050)—are not paid directly to Hofstra but are part of the full cost of attendance (~$83,700 total estimate).
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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholars | $35,000 | Strong academics; holistic. | No | Yes – up to 8 semesters; requires full-time status, 2.8 Hofstra GPA | SAT/ACT-equiv 1300–1600; weighted GPA 3.9–4.3 (published guidance) | Nov 15 (EA1); Dec 15 (EA2); Feb 15 (RD) |
| Provost Scholars | $29,500–$34,000 | Solid academics; holistic. | No | Yes – up to 8 semesters; requires full-time status, 2.8 Hofstra GPA | SAT/ACT-equiv 1150–1590; weighted GPA 3.2–4.3 (published guidance) | Nov 15 (EA1); Dec 15 (EA2); Feb 15 (RD) |
| Dean’s Scholars | $10,000–$29,000 | Admissible academics; holistic. | No | Yes – up to 8 semesters; requires full-time status, 2.8 Hofstra GPA | SAT/ACT-equiv 1030–1560; weighted GPA 2.7–4.3 (published guidance) | Nov 15 (EA1); Dec 15 (EA2); Feb 15 (RD) |
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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholars Program | Full tuition (4 years; ≈30 awards/yr) | First-year admits with exceptional academics, distinction, and leadership; test scores recommended. | No (automatic in admission; EA highly recommended) | Yes (full-time status, 2.8+ GPA, up to 8 semesters) | About 30 admitted students who are in the top 10%, ~1540 SAT/ACT, ~4.2 GPA, strong activities/service. | Nov 15 (EA1); Dec 15 (EA2); Feb 15 (RD) |
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.
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/
🎖️ 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.
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.
- Priority registration for courses
- Dedicated Honors housing community
- Small, seminar-style classes and faculty mentorship
- Opportunities for research, thesis projects, and NYC cultural events
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.
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.
🎙️ 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).