Flexible Paralegal Pathways From Hodges
Hodges University appears in our ranking of the Top 10 Online Paralegal Degree Programs
On Blackboard or in-person, the Nichols School of Professional Studies awards the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies for Hodges University undergrads to learn basic legal document preparation skills for specialty law offices. Chaired by Dr. Charlene Wendel, an ACLU Naples Board member, the 60-credit, ABA-aligned degree integrates 7.5-week courses like Court Procedure, Real Estate Law, and Fundamentals of Contracts averaging 14 peers with eLitigation practice.
The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies unlocks a median mid-career wage of $51,900 by training assistants capable of civil and criminal evidence collection. Outlined by Dr. Andrew Weyl, the 2012 Professor of the Year, this 120-credit, transfer-friendly online plan spans topics from Statutory Interpretation to Constitutional Law.
In only 12 months, the Master of Science in Legal Studies equips non-lawyers for overseeing business regulatory compliance in managerial careers. Advised by Dr. Lisa Cook, the 2010 Hodges Student of the Year, this 30-credit, non-thesis program logs into online courses, including Conflict Mediation and Intellectual Property.
About Hodges University
Hodges University originated in 1990 in Naples as International College, a private nonprofit designed for adults age 25 and older. Two years later, the growing college debuted a Fort Myers location in Forbes’ 75th best metro for business. By 1996, it developed the Frances Pew Hayes Center for Lifelong Learning to reach Collier County and gained accreditation. Its Terry P. McMahan Library became one of two Southwest Florida members of the Federal Depository Library Program in 2003. In 2007, it was renamed for Earl Hodges, a Naples Daily News Outstanding Citizen Award winner, and his wife Thelma because of their sponsorship. Hodges’ well-known Identity Fraud Institute released its premier Sentinel Report in 2017. Soon after, Victory Media gave Hodges University the “Military Friendly” designation for its Dr. Peter Thomas Veterans Center. Generating over $25 million, Hodges now enlightens 1,676 students and connects 9,300 alumni. On Niche, Hodges boasts America’s 46th safest campus and 484th best location. College Factual also named Hodges University the 42nd most popular legal professions program nationally.
Hodges University Accreditation Details
On December 19, 2013, Hodges University announced a satisfactory conclusion to its in-depth evaluation review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for the renewal of Level III accreditation through 2023 under its fourth president, Dr. John Meyer, who earned the Distinguished Public Servant Award. Headquartered 607 miles north via Interstate 75 in Decatur, this elite 11-state Gulf Coast accreditor is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to test the academic standards of Hodges’ 14 associate, 19 baccalaureate, 14 master’s, and three certificates. Hodges is properly licensed by the Florida Department of Education under Statutes Title XLVIII, K-20. Legal services management courses in the Johnson School of Business are also accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
Hodges University Application Requirements
Starting at Hodges University is classified “minimally difficult” by Peterson’s since the Fall 2017 acceptance rate of 96 percent okayed 1,427 of the 1,487 applicants. Freshmen seeking the A.S. in Paralegal Studies simply need to finish an accredited high school diploma, homeschool program, or GED exam. Preference is given for cumulative GPAs of 2.0 or better. Motivation to succeed is paramount to academic qualifications though. Sitting for the SAT or ACT is wholly optional. However, HUAT placement test marks must top 21/30 for Math and 70/100 for English. Transferring into the B.S. in Legal Studies requires 30+ non-remedial credits from qualifying two- or four-year institutions. Only credits, such as College Composition, graded “C-” or greater count. The Graduate School considers Online MSLS cohorts who’ve completed 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree. Admission index scores over 3.0 are preferred, but 2.75 to 2.99 could receive probationary status. English as a Second Language students must reach the 500 paper or 61 internet TOEFL level.
Hodges University has an easy, 15-minute application process that’s free of deadlines. Anytime, Legal Studies Department entrants can access the Fast App online and complete the four-page enrollment form. Undergrads pay $20 while MSLS entrants attach $50 non-refundable fees. Required sections inquire about academic backgrounds, employment history, citizenship status, and career interests. Then, incoming Hodges learners schedule a half-hour interview in Naples, Fort Myers, or on Skype. Transcripts are ordered via National Student Clearinghouse or mailed to 2647 Professional Circle in Naples, FL 34119. Additional items might include a driver’s license or passport and typed essay. Please contact (833) 635-1251 or onlinelearning@hodges.edu with further inquiries.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For 2018-19, Hodges University is billing A.S. in Paralegal Studies majors $570 per credit or $17,100 each year full-time. The entire 60-credit program’s tuition is $34,200. Pursuing the B.S. in Legal Studies costs $570 per credit and $17,100 annually. Undergrad 120-credit tuition totals $68,400 over 48 months. The English as a Second Language Program is only $275 per credit. Active-duty military claim discounted tuition of $320 per credit. Employer partners also receive $100 off for $470 per credit. Note the Student Services Fee adds $250 each semester. Post-grads seeking the M.S. in Legal Studies spend $710 per credit or $21,300 overall. Hodges also suggests budgeting $1,000 for textbooks and $11,448 for living expenses though.
According to the NCES College Navigator, the Student Financial Services Office on Colonial Boulevard gifts $4.84 million yearly for 67 percent of full-time Hodges students to reap $5,051 on average. University funds include the Alan Korest Scholarship, Lavern Norris Gaynor Scholarship, Moorings Park Scholarship, Jerry F. Nichols Veterans Scholarship, CenturyLink Scholarship, North Naples Rotary Scholarship, Thelma Hodges Scholarship, and Michael & Susan London Scholarship. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship presents $48 per credit for undergrad study. Other “Sunshine State” options are the Private Student Assistance Grant, First Generation Matching Grant, Effective Access to Education Grant, and Rosewood Family Scholarship. The Federal Pell and FSEOG Grant combine for up to $10,095 after FAFSA applications coded 030375 by June 30th. Maximum awards of $2,500 accompany the Federal Work-Study Program in Naples or Fort Myers. College Factual records median Hodges debt of $21,704 from Federal Stafford, Perkins, and Graduate Plus loans. Honorable DD-214 discharge qualifies Armed Forces members for Montgomery or Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. External paralegal awards like the PAF Student Member Education Scholarship also help.
Learn more about Hodges University at the Legal Studies Department website.
