Prospective students contemplating enrollment at Full Sail University should carefully consider several key factors before making their decision. Among these considerations are the institution's accreditation status, the cost of tuition, and how Full Sail stacks up against other universities. This article delves into these aspects, providing insights into Full Sail's accreditation, tuition fees, and a comparative analysis with other educational institutions.
Tuition
Full Sail University adopts a unique approach to tuition compared to traditional colleges and universities. Instead of implementing a semester or yearly fee structure, Full Sail opts for a per-credit-hour system. Consequently, tuition expenses fluctuate based on the number of credit hours a student enrolls in. On average, Full Sail charges $795 per credit hour, resulting in an approximate total degree cost of $95,000.
Although the tuition may appear hefty at first glance, it's essential to consider the unique structure of Full Sail's programs. Most courses at Full Sail span only 30 weeks, which is significantly shorter than the typical duration of a four-year university program. This condensed timeline enables students to complete their degrees in half the time. Moreover, Full Sail provides numerous scholarship and financial aid options to assist students in mitigating tuition expenses.
Accreditation
Full Sail University holds full accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), an accrediting body acknowledged by the United States Department of Education. This recognition ensures that Full Sail adheres to the same rigorous standards as other higher education institutions across the nation.
Full Sail University is affiliated with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accreditation agency endorsed by the Department of Education. This affiliation guarantees that Full Sail's credits and degrees hold transferable status to other esteemed colleges and universities.
The Alvarez & Marsal Institute for Research and Education (A&M) holds accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Consequently, Full Sail University's business programs are benchmarked against the same standards upheld by other business programs nationwide.
Full Sail University's Digital Arts & Design, Entertainment Business, Film & Video, Game Art, and Game Design programs boast accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). This accreditation ensures that these programs adhere to the same high standards as other art and design programs across the nation.
The Game Development program at Full Sail University holds accreditation from both the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). This dual accreditation ensures that Full Sail's game development program aligns with the rigorous standards upheld by other similar programs across the nation.
Furthermore, Full Sail University is licensed by the State of Florida, indicating compliance with all state-mandated criteria for operating as a postsecondary educational institution.
Tuition Breakdown
The tuition fees provided encompass all expenses associated with the entire degree program, including textbooks, software, and other necessary materials. These rates specifically apply to on-campus programs and do not encompass living expenses.
Fees Structures
Undergraduate Programs
Computer Animation
$792/Credit Hour
120 Credit Hours
$95,000 Degree Total
Computer Science
$783/Credit Hour
120 Credit Hours
$94,000 Degree Total
Creative Writing
$608/Credit Hour
120 Credit Hours
$73,000 Degree Total
Cybersecurity Completion*
$808/Credit Hour
60 Credit Hours
$48,500 Degree Total
Digital Arts & Design
$783/Credit Hour
120 Credit Hours
$94,000 Degree Total
Entertainment Business
$608/Credit Hour
120 Credit Hours
$73,000 Degree Total
Film
$783/Credit Hour
120 Credit Hours
$94,000 Degree Total
Game Art
$783/Credit Hour
120 Credit Hours
$94,000 Degree Total
Game Business & Esports
$604/Credit Hour
120 Credit Hours
$72,500 Degree Total
Game Design
$783/Credit Hour
120 Credit Hours
$94,000 Degree Total
Game Development
$783/Credit Hour
120 Credit Hours
$94,000 Degree Total
Graduate Programs
Entertainment Business
$916/Credit Hour
41.5 Credit Hours
$38,000 Degree Total
Entertainment Business w/ Sports Management
$916/Credit Hour
41.5 Credit Hours
$38,000 Degree Total
Film Production
$621/Credit Hour
58 Credit Hours
$36,000 Degree Total
Game Design
$867/Credit Hour
41.5 Credit Hours
$36,000 Degree Total
Certificates
3-D Arts Undergraduate Certificate
$477/Credit Hour
22 Credit Hours
$10,500 Degree Total
Application Development Fundamentals Undergraduate Certificate
$457/Credit Hour
23 Credit Hours
$10,500 Degree Total
Audio Arts Undergraduate Certificate
$477/Credit Hour
22 Credit Hours
$10,500 Degree Total
Business Undergraduate Certificate
$477/Credit Hour
22 Credit Hours
$10,500 Degree Total
Computer Science Undergraduate Certificate
$457/Credit Hour
23 Credit Hours
$10,500 Degree Total
Creative Writing Undergraduate Certificate
$500/Credit Hour
21 Credit Hours
$10,500 Degree Total
Film & Video Undergraduate Certificate
$477/Credit Hour
22 Credit Hours
$10,500 Degree Total
Game Business & Esports Undergraduate Certificate
$525/Credit Hour
20 Credit Hours
$10,500 Degree Total
Game Design Undergraduate Certificate
$477/Credit Hour
22 Credit Hours
$10,500 Degree Total
What makes Full Sail University different?
- Several distinguishing factors set Full Sail University apart from other universities.
- Firstly, Full Sail University stands out as one of the few universities nationwide providing accredited programs in digital arts and design, game development, and entertainment business.
- Secondly, Full Sail University's tuition covers all expenses associated with the complete degree program, encompassing books, software, and additional materials.
- Thirdly, Full Sail University holds licensure from the State of Florida, ensuring compliance with all state mandates for operating as a postsecondary educational institution.
- Fourthly, Full Sail University offers a distinctive mentorship program wherein every student is matched with an industry professional. These mentors provide invaluable insights into the students' chosen field and offer guidance throughout their career journey.
- Fifthly, Full Sail University's campus is situated in Orlando, Florida, a bustling hub renowned for its presence in the entertainment industry.
With its convenient proximity to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and other prominent attractions, Orlando serves as an ideal location for pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
What are the benefits of attending Full Sail University?
Attending Full Sail University offers numerous advantages.
- Firstly, as previously noted, Full Sail University's tuition covers all expenses for the complete degree program, encompassing books, software, and additional materials. This comprehensive approach can result in substantial savings for students throughout their educational journey.
- Thirdly, Full Sail University's mentorship program connects every student with an industry professional. These mentors offer invaluable insights into the students' chosen fields and provide ongoing guidance throughout their career paths.
- Situated in Orlando, Florida, Full Sail University benefits from its prime location at the heart of the entertainment industry. With attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios just a stone's throw away, Orlando provides an ideal setting for students aspiring to pursue careers in entertainment.
- Full Sail University's programs hold accreditation from the State of Florida, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards for operation as a postsecondary educational institution.
As a result, graduates of Full Sail University will possess degrees that are acknowledged by employers nationwide.
What are some of the negative aspects of Full Sail University?
While Full Sail University boasts several positive attributes, it's important to acknowledge some potential drawbacks. Firstly, due to its focus on digital arts and design, game development, and entertainment business, the tuition fees at Full Sail tend to be relatively higher. Secondly,
Full Sail University, situated in Orlando, Florida, faces the challenge of a relatively high cost of living in the area. Thirdly, as Full Sail University's programs are accredited by the State of Florida, students are obligated to undertake state exams as part of their graduation requirements.
These exams may impose additional costs and time commitments on students. Additionally, as Full Sail University is comparatively newer, it lacks the extensive reputation enjoyed by more established institutions in the country. Consequently, graduates may encounter challenges in securing employment post-graduation.
In summary, Full Sail University presents an excellent option for students aspiring to enter the entertainment industry. The university's accredited programs, coupled with its industry mentorship initiatives and prime location in Orlando, render it a premier choice for such career pursuits. However, prospective students should be mindful of the tuition expenses and cost of living in Orlando, as well as the time investment necessitated by state exams.
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