About Hofstra
Hofstra University is a dynamic private college on Long Island, NY, where students can choose from more than 140 undergraduate and 150 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education, health and human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law and School of Medicine. | more |
Events
Dynamic Growth
Building a major university from the ground up is a monumental undertaking that requires expertise, commitment, and courage. At Hofstra, we have always risen to the challenges set before us.
TAKING OFF
A section of the Hofstra campus is situated on the grounds of the former Mitchel Field. This air base, which closed in 1961, provided support for America's efforts in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Whether serving as an airfield or the home of a nationally renowned university, this historically important site has always been a place where outstanding women and men can venture forth and take flight.
Starting Small
Hofstra dates back to 1935, when it was founded as "Nassau College-Hofstra Memorial of New York University at Hempstead, Long Island." As a suburban extension of an urban university, it occupied three buildings on a mere 15 acres, with an enrollment of 159 day students and 621 evening students. Classes met in Hofstra Hall, originally the country home of William and Kate Hofstra. The college bookstore was the former domicile of Mrs. Hofstra's 15 prize-winning cats, and an oversized brick garage served as the field house for the rugby team.
In 1937, under a provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents, Hofstra transformed itself into a private four-year school. In the years that followed, Hofstra and Long Island grew together. Just as Long Island became known as an ideal place to live, work, and do business, so Hofstra gained recognition as Long Island's premier private university.
Building Strength
Today, Hofstra is a rich and vibrant university:
- The campus comprises 112 buildings spread across 240 acres.
- Students can choose from 130 programs of undergraduate study and more than 140 at the graduate level.
- We proudly hold full accreditation in 19 academic areas (nationally, fewer than 100 colleges and universities match this achievement).
- Our distinguished faculty is deeply involved in grant-funded research and scholarly pursuits. The latest figures from 2004 show a 24 percent increase in the total number of prestigious grants awarded
- We continue to be one of the most technologically advanced campuses in the nation.
- Forty-eight percent of the freshman class now comes from out of state, compared to 31 percent in 2000.
- As the number of students applying to Hofstra rises, so does our selectivity: In 2005 we accepted 62 percent of all applicants, whereas in 2000 we took 80 percent.
- To meet the needs and interests of these high-achieving students, we have instituted the exceptional, multidisciplinary Honors College, which now serves approximately 615 men and women.
Poised for the Future
"The University is a dynamic entity experiencing evolving goals and objectives," stated the Middle States Commission on Higher Education when it reviewed Hofstra for reaccreditation last year. Citing key factors – Hofstra's executive leadership, the development of a new five-year strategic plan, the stabilization of finances, the enhancement of student credentials, the noteworthy accomplishments of faculty, and significant improvements in the physical plant – the report concluded that "Hofstra is a very different place than it was even five years ago."
