Analysis
Full Sail's computer programming graduates start at $67,539—outearning 60% of Florida programs and putting them $8,600 above the state median. That's a meaningful advantage in a state where tech salaries vary widely. The $37,372 in typical debt sits just above Florida's median for these programs, but at 55% of first-year earnings, graduates are positioned to manage repayment while building careers. With over half of students coming from Pell-eligible families, these outcomes suggest the program is creating real pathways into tech for students who need them most.
The earnings trajectory tells a stable story: graduates see 8% growth from year one to year four, landing at $73,095. While not explosive, this steady climb keeps them competitive regionally and well ahead of national averages. The debt load requires attention—it's higher than 92% of computer programming programs nationwide—but the strong starting salary balances this concern better than at many for-profit institutions.
For Florida families weighing in-state options, Full Sail delivers above-median outcomes in both earnings and employment prospects. The debt is real but manageable given the salary floor, and graduates enter the workforce earning more than peers at most competing programs. If your student is committed to programming and values hands-on training over a traditional university experience, the return on investment here holds up.
Where Full Sail University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming 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 | $67,539 | $73,095 | +8% |
| DigiPen Institute of Technology | $102,580 | $122,323 | +19% |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $80,830 | $94,556 | +17% |
| New England Institute of Technology | $72,595 | $85,769 | +18% |
| Herzing University-Orlando | $50,242 | $74,006 | +47% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Computer Programming bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (4 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 | $67,539 | $73,095 | $37,372 | 0.55 |
 Herzing University-OrlandoWinter Park | $13,420 | $50,242 | $74,006 | $31,050 | 0.62 |
| National Median | — | $50,242 | — | $31,050 | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Network Support Specialists
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 46 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.