Hofstra University (HU)

Hofstra University is a community of innovators, creators, and leaders dedicated to helping you find your purpose. Our class sizes are small — with a 13-to-1 student-faculty ratio — and experienced professors who emphasize collaborative learning and personal attention.

Located just 25 miles from New York City, Hofstra boasts countless mentoring, internship, and full-time career opportunities with some of the world's leading companies. Across its 244-acre campus, Hofstra highlights the beauty of Long Island. And within 15 minutes, students can find themselves at the beach or exploring the history and culture of the surrounding towns.

Study, work, and play as you choose from 175 undergraduate program options focused on offering dynamic, life-changing experiences across a wide range of industries. And with the help of professors who are experts in their fields and an alumni network that spans the globe, there is no shortage of opportunities during your studies and after graduation.

Hofstra University is internationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and PayScale College ROI and Salary Reports. It is the only university to host three consecutive U.S. presidential debates (2008, 2012, and 2016), and one of only three universities in the New York metropolitan area with schools of engineering, medicine, and law.

Equity and inclusion at Hofstra are highly valued and celebrated, and thanks to more than 200 clubs and organizations, not to mention 21 Division I athletic teams, there is always something here to make you feel at home.

Discover your purpose, your passions, and most importantly yourself at Hofstra University!

Hofstra is home to 26 local/national fraternities and sororities, and more than 220 academic, media, multicultural, performance, pre-professional, religious, social/political, and sports clubs and organizations. Hofstra also offers 21 intercollegiate athletic programs competing at the NCAA Division I level.

The Student Government Association (SGA) is Hofstra's student-run governing body. Composed of full-time undergraduate students, the SGA is a liaison between students and the University's faculty, administration, and Board of Trustees. The SGA plans and executes multiple programs and initiatives throughout the academic year, and oversees the finances of over 180 clubs and organizations.

Incoming undergraduates have no reason to be nervous when starting at Hofstra. That's because the school has "a very welcoming student body," one where "just about everyone is approachable and happy to help you with homework or even directions to a building." As this individual shares, "I was drawn to Hofstra for the people, truly because everyone I met was so relaxed and happy to be here." Most students are also "incredib[ly] hardworking, driven, and passionate about the work they do." Fortunately, they "work together to achieve their goals. It's not a competitive environment." But perhaps what Hofstra undergrads appreciate most about their peers is just how diverse they are. While there are certainly a fair amount "from the Long Island/wider New York area," you'll definitely encounter "students from all 50 states and more than 25 other countries" as well as individuals from "all different ethnicities, cultures, religions." Just as critical, you're bound to discover "all sorts of people with unique interests." Indeed, this student assures us that "no matter what your passion, you can find someone who shares it."

Undergraduates at Hofstra lead busy lives. Of course, that's understandable given how much there is to do. The university itself "puts [forth quite an] effort to [offer] fun things for their students." For example, "there is the Fall Fest, a carnival, special occasion meals... and other free activities." Undergrads can also frequently attend "any activity sponsored by the honors college" like open mic nights and alumni talk-backs. Many also like hitting up screenings of "different popular movies every Fri, Sat, and Sun" that are organized for them by another student club. There are numerous additional student-run organizations including the Culinary Club and WRHU-Radio Hofstra University. Particularly impressive is the school's TV network students can join regardless of their major. "We have our own television network called the HEAT Network, which [offers]...student-run shows, including our late-night sketch comedy show TNL, which has won a college Emmy. Hofstra's TV program gives off real world experience that truly isn't available at most collegiate institutions." Additionally, "community service opportunities are easy to come by and are often exciting." This is a popular activity and one that many agree "allow[s] the students to belong to something bigger and more important than their individual selves." Volunteer activities include "cleaning up the streets, raking leaves, [and] food drives." Finally, undergrads love that "with the Long Island Railroad being 15 minutes away from campus and Manhattan being a 40-minute train ride away from the Long Island, the city is extremely accessible, which makes it possible for students to enjoy a multitude of events and activities held [there]."