Hofstra University
Hofstra University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Hofstra University at a Glance
Hofstra University is a private research university in Hempstead, New York, United States. It originated in 1935 as an extension of New York University and became an independent college in 1939. Comprising ten schools, including the Zucker School of Medicine and the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, Hofstra has hosted a series of prominent presidential conferences and several United States presidential debates.
1935
91 years old
$956M
$955.8 million (2025)
10,685
6,581 undergrad · 4,104 grad
1,320
244 acres
Identity
Is Hofstra University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Hofstra University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $69,039 — 28% above average — while paying $34,176/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Hofstra University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Hofstra University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #21 of 37 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Tulsa | 74 | $15,000 | $61,408 |
| #2 | Saint Louis University | 58 | $24,398 | $70,783 |
| #3 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #4 | Loyola University Maryland | 54 | $30,574 | $82,652 |
| #5 | University of the Pacific | 53 | $25,447 | $78,445 |
| #6 | University of Dayton | 52 | $29,533 | $75,537 |
| #21 | Hofstra University | 34 | $34,176 | $69,039 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Hofstra University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in NY.
Best Programs at Hofstra University
The highest-earning program at Hofstra University is Mechanical Engineering at $58,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $19,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Hofstra University earns $58,000, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $19,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Mechanical Engineering graduates carry $26,125 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $34,176/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $58,000 | $58,000 | $26,125 |
| Engineering Science | $55,900 | $55,900 | $23,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $53,500 | $53,500 | $24,175 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $51,000 | $51,000 | $21,500 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $48,300 | $48,300 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,600 | $41,600 | $23,500 |
| Marketing | $41,000 | $41,000 | $25,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $37,500 | $37,500 | $22,970 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $36,400 | $36,400 | $24,625 |
| Journalism | $35,300 | $35,300 | $26,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $35,300 | $35,300 | $25,611 |
| International/Global Studies | $35,200 | $35,200 | $24,750 |
| Public Health | $34,300 | $34,300 | $26,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,900 | $33,900 | $24,500 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $32,200 | $32,200 | $26,000 |
| History | $31,900 | $31,900 | $23,625 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $31,200 | $31,200 | $25,310 |
| Sociology | $30,300 | $30,300 | $24,323 |
| Criminology | $29,800 | $29,800 | $25,125 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $29,700 | $29,700 | $21,500 |
| Psychology, General | $29,300 | $29,300 | $24,500 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $29,100 | $29,100 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $21,000 | $21,000 | $25,790 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $19,800 | $19,800 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Hempstead, NY
- Student Body
- 6,488 students
- Admission Rate
- 68%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $34,176
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $69,039
- Median Student Debt
- $23,621