HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. ― Democracy doesn’t come cheap. Between the logistics of accommodating an estimated 2,500 news reporters and arranging security for VIPs, the cost of hosting a presidential debate now tops $5 million.
But that price tag has not deterred New York’s Hofstra University. The Long Island school is hosting a presidential debate for the third consecutive election cycle after stepping in for Ohio’s Wright State University, which backed out last month amid concerns about security costs.
Hofstra officials say that the debates may be expensive, but that they bring prestige and create a unique experience for students that make it well worth the cost. Some college marketing experts agree.
“Any time a college or university gets national exposure, be it a presidential debate or athletic event, like a basketball run through the NCAA tournament, it helps with name recognition,” said Kent Rinehart, dean of admission at Marist College and board member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
Hofstra, 25 miles east of New York City with an enrollment of 10,870, is hosting Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in their first debate Sept. 26.
That will be followed by one Oct. 9 at Washington University in St. Louis, another familiar setting for debate watchers. It will be that university’s fourth presidential debate since 1992. It also hosted a vice presidential debate in 2008.
“What we have learned over and over is what hosting does is create a life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students,” said Steve Givens, associate vice chancellor. “There’s increased visibility, but that’s kind of short-lived. Our students who volunteer just never forget that feeling of being in the middle of history being made.”
