Hofstra vs Seton Hall

Hofstra University and Seton Hall University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct academic experiences and opportunities to their students. Hofstra, located in Hempstead, New York, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for prospective students. Seton Hall, situated in South Orange, New Jersey, is known for its strong Catholic identity and its commitment to service. While Hofstra's student body is more diverse, Seton Hall has a slightly higher graduation rate. To help you make an informed decision about your academic journey, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into the key differences between these two universities, including popular majors, student demographics, and financial aid options. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Hofstra University logo

Hofstra University

Seton Hall University logo

Seton Hall University

Overview

Location Hempstead, New York South Orange, New Jersey
Campus setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 80.0% 83.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 67.8% 76.6%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $75
Undergraduate: $55

Graduate: $75
SAT range 1180 - 1370 1200 - 1370
ACT range 27 - 31 26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score 37.0% 17.0%
Students submitting ACT score 8.0% 5.0%
Total number of applicants 24,886 23,417
Total number of admissions given out 16,862 17,940
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,659 1,688
Yield rate 9.8% 9.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $74,335 $67,416
Average net price $33,234 $33,177
Tuition $48,315 $44,420
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $11,627

Meal plan: $5,800
Room/dormitory: $10,812

Meal plan: $5,932
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

98.0%
Average amount $30,045
100.0%
Average amount $29,154
Students receiving federal student loan 47.0%
Average amount $5,287
55.0%
Average amount $5,349
Students taking out private loans 8.0%
Average amount $24,091
15.0%
Average amount $22,161

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 6,050
Men 43.2% Women 56.8%
6,063
Men 46.1% Women 53.9%
Graduate students 4,193
Men 35.9% Women 64.1%
3,818
Men 37.6% Women 62.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 36.5% 25.9%
International students 4.9% 2.6%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 3,500 2,589
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from New York New Jersey Mississippi Pennsylvania Connecticut New Jersey New York Pennsylvania California Connecticut

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Legal Profession
  • Business
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Health Professions
  • Legal Profession
  • Business
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 13:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 69.7% 71.9%
Dropout rate 8.0% 7.4%
Transferred out 21.9% 20.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $116,739
  • Year 2: $121,145
  • Year 3: $127,774
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,594
  • Year 2: $108,092
  • Year 3: $110,608
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,095
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $91,559
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,185
  • Year 2: $75,518
  • Year 3: $87,322
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,157
  • Year 2: $83,915
  • Year 3: $85,362
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,152
  • Year 2: $62,681
  • Year 3: $78,315
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,248
  • Year 2: $66,592
  • Year 3: $77,732
Engineering Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,857
  • Year 2: $62,409
  • Year 3: $75,998
Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,221
  • Year 2: $65,915
  • Year 3: $75,333
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,975
  • Year 2: $64,121
  • Year 3: $75,085
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $108,283
  • Year 2: $111,435
  • Year 3: $115,080
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,535
  • Year 2: $81,702
  • Year 3: $110,602
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,461
  • Year 2: $92,885
  • Year 3: $105,315
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,013
  • Year 2: $96,539
  • Year 3: $101,587
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $88,307
  • Year 2: $101,406
  • Year 3: $91,499
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,123
  • Year 2: $67,255
  • Year 3: $90,083
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,696
  • Year 2: $72,693
  • Year 3: $84,791
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,324
  • Year 2: $78,343
  • Year 3: $80,643
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,975
  • Year 2: $75,706
  • Year 3: $78,735
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,606
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $78,533

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Hofstra University and Seton Hall University?

    Hofstra University, located in Hempstead, New York, is a private university known for its strong programs in communications, law, and business. It offers a more suburban campus environment. Seton Hall University, situated in South Orange, New Jersey, is a Catholic university recognized for its programs in law, nursing, diplomacy, and business. It provides a blend of suburban and urban influences due to its proximity to New York City.

  • Which university is larger, Hofstra or Seton Hall?

    Hofstra University generally has a larger undergraduate student population compared to Seton Hall University. While enrollment numbers can fluctuate, Hofstra typically enrolls more undergraduate students.

  • How do the academic reputations of Hofstra and Seton Hall compare?

    Both Hofstra and Seton Hall are well-regarded universities. Hofstra is particularly known for its communications and law programs, while Seton Hall excels in law, nursing, and diplomacy. The 'best' reputation depends on your specific field of study.

  • What is the campus environment like at Hofstra versus Seton Hall?

    Hofstra offers a more traditional suburban campus experience with a focus on campus life and activities. Seton Hall provides a blend of suburban tranquility with easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of nearby New York City. The campus environment at Seton Hall is influenced by its Catholic identity.

  • How do the costs of attending Hofstra and Seton Hall compare?

    Tuition and fees at both Hofstra and Seton Hall are comparable, placing them in the higher range for private universities. It's essential to check the most recent figures on their respective websites and consider financial aid and scholarship opportunities, which can significantly impact the overall cost.

  • Which university is better for students interested in communications or journalism?

    Hofstra University is widely recognized for its strong communications programs, including journalism, film, and television production. While Seton Hall also offers communications programs, Hofstra's dedicated facilities and industry connections in the New York media market give it a distinct advantage in this field.

  • Which university is better for pre-law or law school?

    Both Hofstra and Seton Hall have reputable law schools. Seton Hall Law is located in Newark, NJ, offering proximity to legal institutions. Hofstra Law is located on the main campus in Hempstead. Your choice depends on your preferred location and specific legal interests.

  • What are the religious affiliations of Hofstra and Seton Hall?

    Hofstra University is non-sectarian and welcomes students of all faiths. Seton Hall University is a Catholic university, and its Catholic identity is integrated into its mission and values, although students of all faiths are welcome.

  • How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between Hofstra and Seton Hall?

    Both universities offer career services and internship support. Hofstra benefits from its proximity to New York City and strong alumni network in media and business. Seton Hall's location also provides access to New York City and New Jersey opportunities, particularly in finance, pharmaceuticals, and law. Both schools actively work to connect students with internships and job opportunities.

  • What is the student life like at Hofstra versus Seton Hall?

    Hofstra has a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, and events. Seton Hall also offers a variety of student activities, with a strong emphasis on community service and leadership development, reflecting its Catholic values. Both universities provide residential living options and opportunities for students to get involved.

  • How does the location of each university impact student life and opportunities?

    Hofstra's location in Hempstead, Long Island, offers a suburban setting with easy access to New York City via train. This provides students with both a traditional campus experience and access to urban opportunities. Seton Hall's location in South Orange, New Jersey, offers a similar blend, with a more direct connection to New York City and access to opportunities in New Jersey's corporate and pharmaceutical sectors.

  • What are some notable alumni from Hofstra and Seton Hall?

    Hofstra boasts alumni in media, entertainment, and politics, including Francis Ford Coppola and Marilyn Monroe (attended). Seton Hall has notable alumni in law, politics, and business, including Chris Christie and numerous prominent figures in the Catholic Church.

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