At $31,759/yr net price, Full Sail University graduates earn $38,219/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,219/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,759 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $127,036 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,219/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,219/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 30.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $31,667/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,885/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,833/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,377/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,054/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $63,005 | $35,671 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $55,964 | |
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $55,042 | $32,908 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Certificate | $52,107 | |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $50,272 | $35,077 |
| Marketing. | Certificate | $49,436 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $42,905 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Master | $41,136 | $38,253 |
The Risk Factor
49.6% of students at Full Sail University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Full Sail University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $38,219 barely exceeding the national median despite premium pricing at $31,759 annually. The 49.6% graduation rate means half of students never finish their programs.
Your best financial bets are computer-focused programs, where Software and Media Applications and Management Information Systems graduates earn $63,005. Computer Programming also performs well at $55,042, though you'll carry $32,908 in debt. These tech programs justify the cost by delivering salaries that can handle loan payments.
Avoid most creative programs at Full Sail. While the school markets heavily to aspiring game designers and audio engineers, the data shows these paths typically lead to earnings below $40,000. Educational Media Design pays better at $52,107, but this represents one of the few creative exceptions.
The 63.8% retention rate signals many students realize the value proposition doesn't work and transfer out after their first year. This creates additional financial risk if you need to start over elsewhere.
Full Sail makes financial sense only if you're targeting their high-performing tech programs and can complete your degree. The school's accelerated format appeals to students wanting to enter the workforce quickly, but this benefit disappears if you don't graduate.
Skip Full Sail if you're drawn to entertainment and creative programs, uncertain about your major, or need a traditional college timeline. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and weak median earnings creates substantial financial risk for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Full Sail University worth the cost?
Full Sail's $31,759 annual net price leads to median earnings of only $38,219 ten years after graduation, making it a poor financial investment for most students. With a 49.6% graduation rate, many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What Full Sail University programs have the best ROI?
Computer Software and Media Applications plus Management Information Systems offer the highest returns at $63,005 annually. Business Administration ($55,964) and Computer Programming ($55,042) also provide better value than the school average.
How much debt do Full Sail University graduates typically have?
Full Sail graduates carry a median debt of $27,000. Given the low median earnings of $38,219, this debt burden represents a significant portion of graduates' income.
What is Full Sail University's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Full Sail's 49.6% graduation rate means half of students never finish their degree but may still accumulate substantial debt. This low completion rate increases the financial risk for prospective students.