Columbia vs. Hofstra

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia University in the City of New York in New York, NY with Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia University in the City of New York is larger than Hofstra based on total student enrollment (35,173 students vs. 10,685 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY (Large City setting); Hofstra University is in Hempstead, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hofstra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1; Hofstra University 13:1.

Columbia vs. Hofstra Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia or Hofstra? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Columbia University in the City of New York than Hofstra ($22,520 vs. $35,792).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia University in the City of New York are 2.8% lower than at Hofstra University ($17,580 vs. $18,082).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is 24.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hofstra (about $14,185 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.6% higher at Columbia than at Hofstra University (about $14,185 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hofstra University than at Columbia University in the City of New York (99% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia University in the City of New York students is 91.1% larger than aid received by Hofstra University students ($67,010 vs. $35,061).

Columbia vs. Hofstra Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia or Hofstra? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Hofstra and Columbia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 230 points higher than at Hofstra (1320).
• Incoming Columbia students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Hofstra).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580; Hofstra University 1230/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 34/35; Hofstra University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia - Test optional; Hofstra - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Hofstra (3.74).
• Hofstra has a higher acceptance rate (68.1%) than Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 64.9% at Columbia vs. 10.3% at Hofstra.

Columbia vs. Hofstra Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia and Hofstra? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Columbia University in the City of New York's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Hofstra University's (58%).
• Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of about $48,400 more per year than Hofstra graduates about ten years after starting college ($107,600 vs. $59,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia University in the City of New York graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Hofstra graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Columbia graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hofstra graduates ($222 vs. $242).
• More Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hofstra students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 72%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.