Business Administration, Management and Operations at Hodges University

Hodges University's business program delivers something unusual: first-year earnings that outpace 93% of similar programs nationwide and 80% of Florida business schools, despite serving a community where a quarter of students receive Pell grants. That $58,324 starting salary crushes both the national median ($45,703) and Florida median ($45,072) by roughly $13,000. While debt runs higher than typical—$35,110 versus $22,625 for Florida business programs—the strong initial earnings keep the debt-to-income ratio at a manageable 0.60.

The challenge emerges in the earnings trajectory. Four years out, median pay drops to $53,998, a 7% decline that's uncommon for business graduates who typically see steady growth. This could reflect the Fort Myers market, career changes, or simply the moderate sample size creating statistical noise. Even with this dip, graduates still earn above Florida's median and maintain a comfortable cushion over their debt burden.

For families weighing cost versus outcomes, Hodges delivers exceptional early positioning in the job market that justifies the premium debt load. The earnings decline warrants attention, but starting $8,000 above Florida's median provides breathing room even if growth disappoints. This program punches well above its weight class for an institution serving a regional market.