Full Sail University
Full Sail University is a private for-profit institution in Winter Park, FL ranked #1929 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of D-, and enrolling about 25,777 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Computer Programming and Computer Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 32:1 student-faculty ratio, 53.1% first-year retention, and 44.3% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $38,875, about $21,877 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -79.5%, roughly 164.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $31,917. That's about $11,771 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Full Sail University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Full Sail University graduates 44.3% of students within six years and keeps 53.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Full Sail University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $26,906 |
| Books and Supplies | $530 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $47,530 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 33.8% of Full Sail University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $40,236/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $41,762/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $31,917
- 10-Year Median Earnings $31,917
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,038
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 24.3%
- Employment Rate 73.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Full Sail University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Full Sail University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Full Sail University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Full Sail University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Full Sail University graduates earn $31,917 median, the -79.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 25,777
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 33.1%
- Graduation Rate 44.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 32:1
How to Get Into Full Sail University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Full Sail University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Full Sail University is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Full Sail University undergraduates. Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Human Computer Interaction, and Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technician draw the most students.
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 13.3%
- Human Computer Interaction 12.2%
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technician 9.7%
- Visual and Performing Arts, General 8.4%
- Fine and Studio Arts 7.7%
- Design and Applied Arts 7.5%
See more majors
- Music 7.2%
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies 6.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Programming $81,925
- 2. Computer Engineering $61,553
- 3. Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians $58,321
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General $52,927
- 5. Computer Software and Media Applications $51,455
- 6. Computer Science $50,359
- 7. Communication and Media Studies $49,929
- 8. Design and Applied Arts $44,692
- 9. Human Computer Interaction $42,044
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $41,246
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degree) $85,064
- 2. Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degree) $84,207
- 3. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $77,511
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $71,790
- 5. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $68,369
- 6. Marketing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $65,262
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $59,086
- 8. Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degree) $52,770
- 9. Journalism (Master's Degree) $52,002
- 10. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Master's Degree) $48,312
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Programming grads earn $81,925—99% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($41,246). Graduate: Management Information Systems and Services programs lead with $85,064 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Full Sail University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 420 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 236 graduates)
- Communications Technology/Technician (Bachelor's Degree, 196 graduates)
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 164 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Master's Degree, 116 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Communications Technology/Technician
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Science
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Human Computer Interaction
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 25,777
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 66.9%
- Female Students 33.1%
- Caucasian 35.0%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 19.6%
- Black 32.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 33.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Full Sail University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Full Sail University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Full Sail University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Full Sail University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Full Sail University has a diverse student body, with 35.0% identifying as White. Men make up 66.9% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Full Sail University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Full Sail University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Full Sail University ranks #1929 of 1942 institutions in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a D- overall grade with -79.5% ROI.
At $38,875 annually, the institution serves students seeking accessible higher education. Career outcomes and value metrics should be carefully compared against alternative institutions before enrolling.
EDsmart Assessment: Full Sail University
D- grade | #1929 of 1942 | 0.7/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Performance Overview: Full Sail University's -79.5% return on investment and #1929 ranking reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $38,875 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.
Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare Full Sail University's specific programs against alternatives, as institutional averages may not reflect individual program quality. Financial aid packages, program-specific outcomes, and career services vary significantly.
Decision Framework: Use Full Sail University's D- grade and #1929 ranking as starting points, not final answers. Evaluate program-specific outcomes, campus visit impressions, financial aid offers, and career placement rates in your intended field before making enrollment decisions.
Key Takeaways
- 44.3% six-year graduation rate sits 18.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 53.1% first-year retention is 23.7 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -79.5% return on investment is 164.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $31,917 run about 27% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $38,875 is roughly $18,858 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 32:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 53.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 73.6% employment rate within three years sits 5.4 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $38,875 is about $18,858 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 33.8% trails the national share by 0.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Full Sail University is a private for-profit institution based in Winter Park, FL and earns a D- overall grade. It stands at #1929 among 1942 schools Completion earns C, Support D-, Career Outcomes C, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 53.1% of first-year students return, and roughly 44.3% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -79.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $38,875 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $47,530.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,655 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,038 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $31,917 at the median. That sits about 27% below the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 73.6%.
The ROI comes in near -79.5%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Full Sail University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Winter Park, FL 32792-7429
- Website www.fullsail.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationAccrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Transfer Enrollment Rate1.6%