Private university in Fort Myers that closed in 2024 after 34 years serving adult learners.
Hodges University operated five colleges: Fisher School of Technology, Johnson School of Business, Nichols School of Professional Studies, School of Health Sciences, and School of General Studies. The university offered 11 associate degree programs, 14 bachelor's degree programs, 6 master's degree programs, and several certificate programs as of May 2023. Instruction was delivered through in-person classes, online courses, and accelerated 4-week formats, with 41% of undergraduate and 92% of graduate students enrolled in distance education by Fall 2021. The university also operated the Frances Pew Hayes Center for Lifelong Learning, the Dr. Peter Thomas Veterans Services Center, and a Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Cultural Competency.
Hodges University was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. In December 2022, SACSCOC placed the university on probation due to financial challenges, though accreditation was maintained during the probation period. Eight business degree programs held International Accreditation Council for Business Education accreditation; the clinical mental health counseling master's program was accredited by CACREP; the physical therapist assistant program by CAPTE; and the nursing program by ACEN. The university was federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
In August 2023, Hodges University announced permanent closure by August 2024, citing declining enrollment, financial challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hurricane Ian. Enrollment had declined from 2,800 students in 2013 to 410 by 2023. The Naples campus closed in September 2021, consolidating operations to Fort Myers. The final day of classes was August 25, 2024. In April 2024, the Fort Myers campus was sold to the Evangelical Christian School of Fort Myers.