Hofstra vs. Lafayette College

Comparable Facts

Compare Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY with Lafayette College in Easton, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hofstra University is larger than Lafayette College based on total student enrollment (10,685 students vs. 2,775 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hofstra University is located in Hempstead, NY (Large Suburban setting); Lafayette College is in Easton, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Hofstra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lafayette College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hofstra University 13:1; Lafayette College 10:1.

Hofstra vs. Lafayette College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hofstra or Lafayette College? 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 Hofstra University than Lafayette College ($35,792 vs. $38,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hofstra University are 9% lower than at Lafayette College ($18,082 vs. $19,866).
• Lafayette College is 13.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hofstra (about $7,738 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.4% higher at Lafayette College than at Hofstra University (about $7,738 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hofstra University than at Lafayette College (99% vs. 61%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lafayette College students is 27.5% larger than aid received by Hofstra University students ($44,707 vs. $35,061).

Hofstra vs. Lafayette College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hofstra or Lafayette College? 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 Lafayette College and Hofstra.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lafayette College (1430) is 110 points higher than at Hofstra (1320).
• Incoming Lafayette College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Hofstra).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hofstra University 1230/1400; Lafayette College 1350/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hofstra University 28/32; Lafayette College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hofstra - Test optional; Lafayette College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lafayette College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hofstra students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Lafayette College (3.53).
• Hofstra has a higher acceptance rate (68.1%) than Lafayette College (31.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Hofstra vs. 21.8% at Lafayette College.

Hofstra vs. Lafayette College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hofstra and Lafayette College? 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).

• Lafayette College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Hofstra University's (58%).
• Graduates from Lafayette College earn a median of about $21,800 more per year than Hofstra graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,000 vs. $59,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hofstra University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Lafayette College graduates ($23,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Hofstra graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lafayette College graduates ($242 vs. $268).
• More Lafayette College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hofstra students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.