Analysis
Full Sail's Film/Video program delivers surprisingly manageable debt for a creative field, with graduates owing just $27,000—well below the national median and ranking in the 5th percentile for debt burden. This gives the program a significant advantage over competitors, as the debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.12 means graduates can realistically pay off loans within a reasonable timeframe.
The earnings picture tells a more complex story. While first-year salaries of $24,078 trail national averages slightly, Full Sail ranks in the 60th percentile among Florida's 17 film programs—a solid middle-tier performance in a competitive state market. The 20% earnings growth over four years is encouraging, bringing graduates to $28,764, which approaches the national 75th percentile. However, Full Sail still lags behind prestigious programs like University of Miami ($35,485) and Florida State ($31,689).
For parents considering this investment, Full Sail offers a practical entry point into the film industry without crushing debt. The program serves a largely working-class student body (57% receive Pell grants) and appears designed for accessibility rather than premium outcomes. If your child is committed to breaking into film/video work and wants to minimize financial risk while gaining hands-on training, this represents a reasonable path—just don't expect the earning power that comes with elite university credentials.
Where Full Sail University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all film/video and photographic arts 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 | $24,078 | $28,764 | +19% |
| Florida State University | $31,689 | $48,058 | +52% |
| University of Miami | $35,485 | $41,672 | +17% |
| University of Central Florida | $23,676 | $33,144 | +40% |
| Ringling College of Art and Design | $18,551 | $17,575 | -5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Film/Video and Photographic Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (17 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 | $24,078 | $28,764 | $27,000 | 1.12 |
 University of MiamiCoral Gables | $59,926 | $35,485 | $41,672 | $18,500 | 0.52 |
 Florida State UniversityTallahassee | $5,656 | $31,689 | $48,058 | $20,476 | 0.65 |
 The University of TampaTampa | $33,424 | $26,641 | — | $20,500 | 0.77 |
 University of Central FloridaOrlando | $6,368 | $23,676 | $33,144 | $21,375 | 0.90 |
 Miami Dade CollegeMiami | $2,838 | $20,611 | — | $6,500 | 0.32 |
| National Median | — | $25,173 | — | $25,000 | 0.99 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with film/video and photographic arts graduates
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Producers and Directors
Media Programming Directors
Talent Directors
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Film and Video Editors
Photographers
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 511 graduates with reported earnings and 624 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.