Hofstra University is a private institution whose primary mission is to provide a quality education to its students in an environment that encourages, nurtures, and supports learning through the free and open exchange of ideas, for the betterment of humankind. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs taught by a research-active and professionally engaged faculty.

Hofstra University's undergraduate education provides a firm foundation in the liberal arts and sciences designed to encourage intellectual curiosity. Students can choose from about 140 undergraduate and 150 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business; engineering; communication; education, health and human services; and honors studies, as well as a School of Law.

The University develops students' analytical and critical thinking, strengthens their communication skills, promotes cross-cultural competencies and provides information literacy and technological skills that prepare students to become lifelong learners. Hofstra University strives to cultivate students' social and ethical responsibility, aesthetic sensibility, creativity, and emotional and physical well-being.

The University is devoted to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diverse academic community of students, faculty, staff and administrators respectful of the contributions and dignity of each of its members.
It provides the informational and technological resources required for learning and the advancement of knowledge.

Financial Aid
Student Financial Services help students make the most of the options available. Financial Need is based on determining the educational cost (tuition & fees, room & board, books & supplies and a personal allowance) minus the Estimated Family Contribution (based on federal and institutional formulas).  The result of these two factors determine the need for federal financial assistance. In fact, an average of 80% of Hofstra students qualify for some kind of financial aid. There are such kinds of Financial Aid:
- Private Loans
- Federal PLUS Loans for Parents
- Federal Work Study
- Scholarships.