Admission & Financial Aid

Admissions to Hofstra University Through the NOAH Scholars Program

Special admission programs, such as NOAH, were designed to meet the needs of students who have been systematically denied access to higher education.  Although the Program does evaluate high school grades, some of the other indicators which are utilized by the Program include:

• Positive self-concept, confidence, strength, determination, and independence.
• Understands and deals with the problems of adversity
• Realistic self-appraisal -- recognizes and accepts any academic or background deficiencies and works on self-improvement.
• Prefers long-range goals to short-term (immediate) and accepts deferred gratification
• Availability of a strong support person
• Successful leadership experience -- ability to organize and influence others
• Demonstrated civic engagement

In addition, during the interview process the applicant's proposed field of study is also thoroughly discussed. At Hofstra University, students are not admitted into a specific degree program; they can major in any of the majors offered at the University.

Interviews are conducted by the Program Selection Committee, which is comprised of NOAH staff, students, and University administrators. The selection committee uses the interview to look for evidence of the above indicators focusing on levels of motivation, potential interest in Hofstra, positive goals, and of primary importance, the applicant's own self-image. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the NOAH Scholars Program, an applicant must:

• Be a high school graduate or have a state-approved equivalency diploma (with a composite score not higher than 310) or its equivalent.
• Be economically disadvantaged as defined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines.
• Be a resident of New York state and eligible for New York state’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
• Attend high school in a New York state-recognized high-needs school district

Admission and Financial Aid

Candidates must submit an undergraduate application to Hofstra University prior to February 1.

To facilitate the processing of applications, candidates should:

• Schedule an appointment to meet with their high school guidance counselor for college preparation.
• Complete the First-Year Student Application for Undergraduate Admission online at hofstra.edu/apply.
• Obtain a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should be filed before February 1.
• Submit application and supporting documentation, which includes:
  1. Two letters of recommendation
  2. Official copies of high school transcripts
  3. Personal essay

The New Opportunitites at Hofstra Financial Statement Form will be forwarded under separate cover, upon receipt of your application by the Office of Admission.

Upon receipt of all completed application materials, the Office of Admission will determine academic eligibility, and the Financial Aid Office will determine eligibility for financial awards. Once eligibility is determined, invited candidates must attend an individual and/or group interview.

When accepted students are identified as NOAH academic scholarship recipients, financial award letters are prepared, based upon the students’ financial needs, as determined by the FAFSA.

Awards are made available through funding from Hofstra University, as well as from federal and state grants and loans. NOAH students typically receive substantial financial aid packages, which may cover a significant portion of their education costs.