Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management at Full Sail University

Full Sail's media management program posts earnings well above the national average—beating 95% of similar associate's programs nationwide—but that accomplishment comes with a significant caveat. At $32,718, the debt burden is among the highest in the country for this credential, sitting in the 95th percentile nationally. That creates a challenging first-year scenario where graduates owe more than they earn, even with the program's relatively strong salary outcomes.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.30 means a graduate earning $25,184 carries debt exceeding their annual salary by about 30%. While the earnings outpace the $22,265 national median by roughly $3,000, that advantage gets quickly consumed by loan payments on debt that's $12,700 above the national norm. For context, this is the only associate's program of its type tracked in Florida, so direct in-state comparisons aren't available—but the debt level would be concerning in any market.

For families, this means weighing whether the premium placement justifies the premium price tag. The program clearly has industry connections that translate to better-than-typical outcomes for an associate's degree in this field. But with 57% of students receiving Pell grants, many families will be particularly debt-sensitive. Unless your child has clear industry contacts or a specific career path where this program's networking opens doors, the debt burden presents real financial strain in those critical early earning years.