Design and Applied Arts at Full Sail University
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Full Sail's Design and Applied Arts associate degree produces earnings below three-quarters of similar programs nationally, but the real problem is the debt load. At $34,679, graduates carry more than double the typical debt burden for this field and nearly 30% more than even Florida's already-high median. The numbers tell a troubling story: first-year earnings of $23,719 barely exceed minimum wage work while servicing a debt load that's 146% of annual income.
The Florida comparison is particularly stark. Full Sail graduates earn $7,000 less than the state median for this program—placing them in just the 25th percentile among Florida schools. Palm Beach State and Seminole State students graduate with comparable credentials but earn $36,768 and $31,347 respectively, typically with far less debt since they're public institutions. Even Rasmussen University, another for-profit school, delivers $8,500 more in first-year earnings.
For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: you're paying premium tuition for bottom-quartile outcomes. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here can least afford to take on debt that will take years to manage on these salary levels. Public college alternatives in Florida offer demonstrably better returns for this same degree.
Where Full Sail University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Full Sail University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Full Sail University graduates earn $24k, placing them in the 29th percentile of all design and applied arts associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Design and Applied Arts associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sail University | $23,719 | — | $34,679 | 1.46 |
| Palm Beach State College | $36,768 | — | — | — |
| Rasmussen University-Florida | $32,246 | — | $28,722 | 0.89 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | $31,347 | — | $10,667 | 0.34 |
| Miami Dade College | $30,466 | — | — | — |
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | $20,360 | $25,086 | $24,792 | 1.22 |
| National Median | $27,846 | — | $14,454 | 0.52 |
Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach State College Lake Worth | $3,050 | $36,768 | — |
| Rasmussen University-Florida Ocala | $15,117 | $32,246 | $28,722 |
| Seminole State College of Florida Sanford | $3,227 | $31,347 | $10,667 |
| Miami Dade College Miami | $2,838 | $30,466 | — |
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale | $24,136 | $20,360 | $24,792 |
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 103 graduates with reported earnings and 143 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.