Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,014
75th percentile
Median Debt
$43,000
65% above national median

Analysis

Full Sail University's audiovisual communications program commands a premium price that may be difficult to justify based on post-graduation outcomes. While graduates earn above the national median for this field—placing in the 75th percentile nationally—they carry $43,000 in debt compared to a $26,000 national average. This creates a concerning debt burden that exceeds first-year earnings by 43%, well above what financial aid experts recommend.

The earnings trajectory tells an even more troubling story. Rather than growing with experience, graduate salaries actually decline slightly from $30,014 in year one to $29,220 by year four. This stagnation means the substantial debt load becomes harder to manage over time, not easier. The program does outperform most competitors nationally, but that advantage comes at a steep financial cost that may not be worth the premium.

For families considering this investment, the math is stark: graduates face above-average debt for below-average starting salaries in their field. While Full Sail's industry connections and specialized focus may provide networking advantages not captured in these earnings figures, parents should carefully weigh whether those potential benefits justify nearly doubling the typical debt load for this degree type.

Where Full Sail University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all audiovisual communications technologies/technicians 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Full Sail University$30,014$29,220-3%
Bowie State University$35,168$46,486+32%
American University$19,337$46,422+140%
New England Institute of Technology$37,101$43,846+18%
Columbia College Chicago$20,927$38,837+86%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Full Sail UniversityWinter Park$26,417$30,014$29,220$43,0001.43
New England Institute of TechnologyEast Greenwich$35,625$37,101$43,846$27,1700.73
Bowie State UniversityBowie$8,999$35,168$46,486$26,0000.74
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$34,043$33,875$22,4810.66
Husson UniversityBangor$22,194$29,736$32,894$27,0000.91
Alabama A & M UniversityNormal$10,024$28,938$36,2501.25
National Median$26,194$26,0000.99

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with audiovisual communications technologies/technicians graduates

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners

Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.

$67,310/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Audio and Video Technicians

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Broadcast Technicians

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Lighting Technicians

Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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 374 graduates with reported earnings and 490 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.