FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

YOUR MOMENTUM STARTS HERE

Start Here.
Go Anywhere.

You’re ready to take the next step, and we’re here to help. Hofstra is where big dreams meet real opportunity. Whether you’re applying to college for the first time or only starting to explore, you’ll find support, community, and confidence to thrive.

What Is a First-Year Student?

You’re a first-year student if you’re currently in high school or have graduated and haven’t enrolled in college yet, even if you’ve earned AP, IB, or college credits during high school. You’re starting fresh with us, and we’ll help you every step of the way.

Why Hofstra?

Small Classes, Big Attention

A 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio means your professors will know you and support your goals.

Learn by Doing

Internships, research, and practical experience are part of every major.

Life on Campus

You can choose from more than 200 clubs, student organizations, and events every week.

Just Outside NYC

Hofstra’s location, only 25 miles from Manhattan, opens doors to internships, culture, and careers.

Strong Outcomes

92% of Hofstra graduates are working in grad school or both within one year.

Explore Top Academic Programs

What do you want to do in the future? Our most popular majors are in fields where jobs are growing fast, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Business

Learn finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship to build your future in a global economy.
Learn More

Communications

Prepare for careers in journalism, digital media, broadcasting, and public relations.
Learn More

Health Sciences

Explore growing careers in health and wellness through a strong, science-based curriculum.
School of Health Sciences

Psychology

Understand the mind and behavior through hands-on research and real-world experience.
Department of Psychology

STEM

Study science, technology, engineering, or math fields that need curious, creative problem-solvers.
Learn More

Love the Arts?

Hofstra offers outstanding programs in the following:

Explore All Undergraduate Majors

All Majors

Support for Your Success

You don’t have to figure it all out alone; we’re here to help.

Advising

Every student is paired with an academic advisor to help you plan your path.

Info on Advising

Tutoring and Coaching

The Center for Academic Excellence offers free support, including peer tutoring.

Tutoring Resources

Career Readiness

Explore majors, build a resume, and meet employers through the Center for Career Design and Development.

Career Design and Development

Accessibility

Student Access Services provides accommodations and support. Ask about our PALS Program, which offers personalized academic coaching for students with learning differences, ADHD, or executive functioning challenges.

Explore Student Access Services

Opportunities That Set You Apart

Go further, faster—your future starts here.

Direct-Entry Dual Degree Programs: Apply once and earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree—saving time and tuition.

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Nursing at Hofstra

Hofstra’s undergraduate nursing program offers advanced clinical training through Northwell Health.

Nursing (BS)
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Honors College

Take smaller, seminar-style classes, engage in research, and be part of a close-knit academic community.

Honors College
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Experiential Learning

Internships. Research. Local projects. At Hofstra, you’ll apply what you learn from your first year for every major and every student.

Make College Affordable

A Hofstra education is within reach, and we’ll help you make it happen.

You’ll automatically be considered for merit scholarships when you apply.

Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA) Visit the Financial Aid Office

Get Credit for What You’ve Already Done

Did you take AP, IB, or dual-enrollment classes? You may already have credits.

See How Credits Transfer to Hofstra
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Visit Campus and Meet Our Pride Guides

Schedule a Visit Attend an Event Meet the Pride Guides

Ready to Apply?

Apply through the Common App Hofstra’s Application

Test optional: Submit SAT or ACT scores if you want. It’s your choice.

Application TypeSubmission
Early Action IApply by November 15  
Early Action IIApply by December 15
Rolling AdmissionApply any time

What Students Ask Most

Yes! SAT/ACT scores are not required.

After you apply, we’ll send a link to your personalized portal.

Absolutely, our admission counselors are here to help.

See More FAQs

Let’s Connect

Find Your Admission Counselor Contact the Admission Office See Where We’re Visiting
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STEP INTO A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES

Join a community that sparks innovation, fosters connections, and pushes you to achieve more than you imagined.

Apply Request Info Visit