Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Bachelor's Degree) at Full Sail University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$28,947

53rd percentile

40th percentile in Florida

Median Debt

$39,580

52% above national median

Analysis

Full Sail's Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management program asks students to take on $39,580 in debt—about $13,500 more than similar Florida programs—to earn a starting salary barely breaking $29,000. That debt burden ranks in the bottom 5% nationally for this degree, meaning 95% of comparable programs nationwide leave students with less debt. While graduates do see 21% earnings growth by year four, they're still earning just $35,092, making the debt repayment math challenging even with that increase.

The geographic context matters here: graduates earn slightly below Florida's median for this field ($28,986) and well below UCF's similar program, despite paying significantly more. Among Florida's nine schools offering this degree, Full Sail ranks in just the 40th percentile for earnings. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, this debt-to-earnings gap hits particularly hard for families with limited financial cushion.

For a creative industry degree where networking and portfolio matter as much as the credential, parents should carefully weigh whether this premium price point delivers proportional advantages. The program performs merely average nationally while creating above-average debt burdens—a combination that makes the financial return uncertain even for students passionate about entertainment media careers.

Where Full Sail University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all arts, entertainment,and media management bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Full Sail University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Full Sail University	$28,947	$35,092	+21%
The New School	$37,743	$62,966	+67%
Syracuse University	$35,389	$57,823	+63%
Wagner College	$29,010	$55,907	+93%
University of New Haven	$23,782	$48,429	+104%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (9 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Full Sail UniversityWinter Park	$26,417	$28,947	$35,092	$39,580	1.37
University of Central FloridaOrlando	$6,368	$29,025	—	$22,569	0.78
National Median	—	$28,357	—	$26,000	0.92

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with arts, entertainment,and media management graduates

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Producers and Directors

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

$63,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Full Sail University, approximately 57% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 275 graduates with reported earnings and 371 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.