Admission

First-Year Scholarships

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Hofstra University has established multiple scholarship programs to reward students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement in high school. Hofstra is committed to providing you with an affordable, high quality education. In fall 2024 we awarded $59.8 million to first-year students, and a total of $179.6 million in institutional gift assistance was awarded to all entering undergraduate students.

We give out two different types of awards – merit awards (scholarships and grants) and financial aid awards. Ninety-eight percent of our full-time, first-year students in the fall of 2024 were awarded financial aid including grants (free money). Our average institutional free money was $33,446, not including federal or state grants. Based on your FAFSA, you may be eligible for additional money. Visit the Net Price Calculator for your estimate.

See below for more on our current fall 2024 scholarship awards.

Scholarships and Merit Awards for First-Year Students

Hofstra University offers the following scholarship awards to first-year students who will start their studies in the fall 2024 semester:

Hofstra University Trustee Scholars Program

Full-tuition Scholarship

Who receives this scholarship?
Full-tuition scholarships are offered to our very highest achieving admitted students.
(Approximately 30 students are offered this scholarship.)

How are recipients selected?
Candidates are selected based on a holistic review of the information supplied on their admission application. First-year students who will likely receive this prominent award in the fall 2024 semester have an average SAT*/ACT equivalent of 1540 on a 1600 scale, weighted GPA of 4.2, and are typically in the top 10% of their HS graduating class.

*We recommend students interested in the Trustee Scholarship apply Early Action to Hofstra.  Apply by November 15 for Early Action 1 or December 15 for Early Action 2.

Hofstra University Presidential Scholars

Award Range: $35,000 per year

Who receives this scholarship?
Presidential scholarships are typically offered to about 31% of our admitted students.

How are recipients selected?
Candidates are selected based on a holistic review of the information supplied on their admission application. First-year students who will likely receive this prominent award in the fall 2024 semester have an SAT/ACT equivalent in the range of 1300 - 1600 on a 1600 scale and a weighted GPA in the range of 3.9 - 4.3.

Hofstra University Provost Scholars

Award Range:  $29,500 - $34,000 per year

Who receives this scholarship?
Provost scholarships are typically offered to about 40% of our admitted students.

How are recipients selected?
Candidates are selected based on a holistic review of the information supplied on their admission application. First-year students who will likely receive this generous award in the fall 2024 semester have an SAT/ACT equivalent in the range of 1150 - 1590 on a 1600 scale and a weighted GPA in the range of 3.2 - 4.3.

Hofstra University Dean’s Scholars

Award Range: $10,000 - $29,000 per year

Who receives this scholarship?
Dean’s scholarships are typically offered to about 27% of our admitted students.

How are recipients selected?
Candidates are selected based on a holistic review of the information supplied on their admission application. First-year students who will likely receive this substantial award in the fall 2024 semester have an SAT/ACT equivalent in the range of 1030 - 1560 on a 1600 scale and a weighted GPA in the range of 2.7 - 4.3.

Hofstra University Grant Programs

Award Range: Up to $5,000 per year

How are recipients selected?
Candidates are selected based on a holistic review of the information supplied on their admission application. 

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Additional scholarship opportunities exist for students and are awarded after a holistic review of the admission application for those who do not qualify for the scholars programs listed above. Limited talent scholarships are available for students and awarded after auditions in music and fine arts. There are also scholarships available for veterans, alumni, siblings, and more. For a full list of scholarship opportunities, please see our scholarship list endowed or bulletin listing.

Need-Based Awards

Hofstra University wants to help families make college more affordable. Limited additional need based funds may be available to families who file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the University published filing dates. The FAFSA is available at fafsa.gov.

Hofstra University Assistance Grant

Grant Range:  Up to $3,000

The Hofstra University Assistant Grant funds are awarded based on individual family need.


Awards are given to students who demonstrate academic achievement, athletic talent, and strong leadership, as well as performers and artists. Aid is also awarded based on financial need.

All first-year students who start classes in the fall are automatically considered for scholarships. No additional application for aid is required. Just be sure to complete your application for admission and send all required documents by the posted deadlines. 

Academic scholarships are renewable. If you receive an academic scholarship, it may be renewed for up to eight consecutive terms of undergraduate study if you meet the requirements specified in the award notification.