About Hodges University
Hodges University serves 171 students in Fort Myers, Florida, functioning as a small private university that focuses heavily on career preparation and professional programs. The school operates on a trimester system and maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, which means you'll get plenty of personal attention from professors. Founded in 1990, Hodges targets working adults and career-changers who want practical skills rather than traditional college experiences.
The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $22,602 after aid, regardless of whether they're from Florida or out-of-state since tuition stays flat at $15,580. However, graduates earn a median of $37,052 ten years after graduation, which barely covers the typical monthly loan payment of $293. With median debt of $27,675 and a loan repayment rate of just 32.78%, many students struggle financially after graduation. Only 24.65% of students receive federal financial aid.
The student body is 64.91% female and 88.64% in-state, creating a local feel. While 100% of students return for their second year, only 22.40% actually graduate within six years. The 92% employment rate sounds promising, but the low graduation rates and modest earnings suggest this school works better for students with very specific career goals than those seeking broader educational experiences.
The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $22,602 after aid, regardless of whether they're from Florida or out-of-state since tuition stays flat at $15,580. However, graduates earn a median of $37,052 ten years after graduation, which barely covers the typical monthly loan payment of $293. With median debt of $27,675 and a loan repayment rate of just 32.78%, many students struggle financially after graduation. Only 24.65% of students receive federal financial aid.
The student body is 64.91% female and 88.64% in-state, creating a local feel. While 100% of students return for their second year, only 22.40% actually graduate within six years. The 92% employment rate sounds promising, but the low graduation rates and modest earnings suggest this school works better for students with very specific career goals than those seeking broader educational experiences.
Academics & Faculty
Hodges University runs on a trimester calendar system and focuses heavily on career-ready programs in business, health sciences, and technology. With just 171 students and an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll get personal attention that's almost like having a tutor in every class. However, the 20.52% four-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to finish or don't complete their degrees, which is common at smaller career-focused schools where students often work while studying. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and internships to prepare graduates for immediate employment. Most programs are designed for working adults and career changers who need flexible scheduling rather than traditional college-age students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 19.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 20.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.4%
- Retention Rate
- 100.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,052
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $56,415 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $44,170 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,319 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $39,729 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $35,594 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | Bachelor | $35,274 |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate). | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Certificate | $21,403 |
Campus Life
Hodges University sits in Fort Myers, a mid-sized Florida city about 30 minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches. With just 171 students total, this feels more like an extended family than a traditional college campus. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name from day one, and you'll see the same faces in multiple classes throughout your time here.
The Florida weather means flip-flops and shorts year-round, with summer temperatures reaching the high 80s and winters rarely dipping below 60 degrees. Most students commute since this is primarily a professional-focused school that attracts working adults and career-changers. About 65% of students are women, and nearly 89% come from within Florida. Weekend life revolves around internships, part-time jobs, and small study groups rather than big campus events. The trimester system keeps the pace quick, with students often balancing coursework with professional responsibilities. Don't expect football games or Greek life here. Instead, you'll find tight-knit cohorts in business and health programs, where networking happens in small classrooms rather than lecture halls.
The Florida weather means flip-flops and shorts year-round, with summer temperatures reaching the high 80s and winters rarely dipping below 60 degrees. Most students commute since this is primarily a professional-focused school that attracts working adults and career-changers. About 65% of students are women, and nearly 89% come from within Florida. Weekend life revolves around internships, part-time jobs, and small study groups rather than big campus events. The trimester system keeps the pace quick, with students often balancing coursework with professional responsibilities. Don't expect football games or Greek life here. Instead, you'll find tight-knit cohorts in business and health programs, where networking happens in small classrooms rather than lecture halls.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Trimester
- Founded
- 1990
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 54°–75°F
- July Avg
- 74°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 57.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Hodges University draws students who want small-class attention in a Florida setting. With 171 total students and nearly 90% coming from in-state, this school serves local Fort Myers area residents looking for personalized education close to home. The student body is about two-thirds women, which reflects the university's focus on healthcare, business, and professional programs that historically attract more female students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing Hodges serves middle-class families seeking affordable private education with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio.
- Men
- 35.1%
- Women
- 64.9%
- White
- 13.5%
- Black
- 4.1%
- Hispanic
- 19.3%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 88.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.7%
Location
Hodges University sits in Fort Myers, Florida, a city of about 87,000 people on the state's southwest coast. The campus is roughly 120 miles south of Tampa and 25 miles from Naples, placing students in the heart of Lee County's growing metro area. Fort Myers combines suburban sprawl with easy access to Gulf Coast beaches just minutes away. The city has grown rapidly as a retirement destination, but its downtown core has been revitalizing with new restaurants and cultural venues that appeal to younger residents. The area offers year-round warm weather and outdoor activities, from fishing to beach volleyball. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Hodges University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fort Myers, Florida 33966
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,052
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,941
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 32.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $293/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,675
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements like at Hodges University?
Hodges University maintains a 100% retention rate, suggesting students who enroll tend to stay. The small enrollment of just 171 students allows for highly personalized attention during the admissions process at this Fort Myers institution.
How much does Hodges University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,602 despite tuition of $15,580. Only 24.65% of students receive financial aid, which is unusually low for a private university, suggesting many students pay close to the full sticker price.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Hodges University?
The student-faculty ratio is an impressive 8:1, providing exceptional access to professors. This intimate learning environment operates on a trimester system, allowing students to accelerate their studies at this career-focused institution.
What are the graduation rates at Hodges University?
Only 22.4% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 20.52%. Despite these low completion rates, the university boasts a 92% employment rate for graduates, reflecting its emphasis on practical, job-ready skills.
Where do most Hodges University students come from?
About 88.64% of students are Florida residents, making it primarily a regional institution. The student body is 64.91% female and diverse, with 19.30% Hispanic students reflecting Southwest Florida's demographics.
How much do Hodges University graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median of $37,052 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $293. The university's focus on professional programs shows in the strong early earnings of $42,156 just one year post-graduation, though long-term earning potential remains modest.
