Location: Winter Park, FL•In-State Tuition: $26,417
Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,290
5th percentile
Median Debt
$18,250
14% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.53 ManageableSample: 85 graduates

Analysis

Full Sail's HCI certificate lands graduates at $34,290 in their first year—well below the $45,270 national median for this program. While that places it in just the 5th percentile nationally, the Florida context tells a different story: this is actually the only school in the state offering this credential, making direct in-state comparisons impossible. The debt load of $18,250 is concerning, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs have lower debt), though the 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates can theoretically pay this off within two years if they commit their entire first-year salary.

The real question is whether this certificate justifies its cost when top-performing programs nationally produce graduates earning $50,761—nearly 50% more. For a school serving a majority low-income population (57% receive Pell grants), these earnings gaps matter enormously. The moderate sample size gives us reasonable confidence in these numbers, but families should recognize that Full Sail is a for-profit institution where outcomes can vary significantly based on program.

Unless your child has compelling reasons to pursue this specific certificate at Full Sail—perhaps strong connections to the gaming industry in Orlando or unique program features—the combination of below-average earnings and above-average debt suggests looking at alternative pathways into tech, whether that's a traditional computer science degree or certificates at schools with stronger placement records.

Where Full Sail University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human computer interaction certificate's programs nationally

Full Sail UniversityOther human computer interaction programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Full Sail University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Full Sail University earns $34k — 5th percentile among human computer interaction certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Human Computer Interaction certificate'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$34,290—$18,2500.53
Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis$10,449$56,251—$23,9920.43
National Median—$45,270—$21,1210.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human computer interaction graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

Penetration Testers

Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.

Information Security Engineers

Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.

Digital Forensics Analysts

Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.

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 85 graduates with reported earnings and 118 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.