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's financial picture is weak. You pay about $31,759 a year, and the typical graduate earns $38,219 ten years out. That earnings figure sits below what many bachelor's holders make, and with a net price this high, the math rarely works in your favor. Only half of students graduate, and about a third don't return after their first year, so you carry real odds of leaving with debt and no degree.
The one program that pays off is Computer Programming, where graduates earn $55,042. But that comes with the highest debt on the list at $32,908, so the return is real but not free. Business Administration follows at $41,565. After that, the numbers drop fast. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $37,208 while carrying $34,078 in debt, one of the worst debt-to-earnings ratios here. Drama and Theatre Arts pays $30,228, near the low end, though the debt load of $20,500 is lighter.
The specific risk at Full Sail is paying private-college prices for creative and media fields that pay creative-field wages. If you enroll in anything outside computing or business, you are likely to spend more than the degree returns.
The net price barely moves across income levels. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $31,667. if it earns over $110k, you pay $33,054. That means lower-income families get almost no price break here, so the full cost lands hardest on those least able to absorb it.
This school is a reasonable financial bet only if you enter the Computer Programming track and finish. If you're drawn to the media and entertainment programs, look for a cheaper path, because the earnings here don't justify the price.
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.