American Public University System vs Full Sail University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
American Public University System holds a 37-point ROI advantage over Full Sail University, scoring 50/100 versus 13/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, American Public University System comes in at $9,597 per year (net price after aid) versus $38,875 at Full Sail University - a difference of $29,278 annually, or roughly $117,112 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, American Public University System graduates earn a median of $44,409 compared to $38,219 at Full Sail University. The payback period is 19 years at American Public University System versus 91.8 years at Full Sail University.
Graduates leave American Public University System with a median $21,743 in debt versus $27,000 at Full Sail University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.79 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | American Public Universit... | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,400 | $26,906 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,400 | $26,906 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,597 | $38,875 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $38,388 | $155,500 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,200 | $34,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,409 | $38,219 |
| Graduation Rate | 57.2% | 44.3% |
| Payback Period | 19 yr | 91.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,743 | $27,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $231 | $286 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.79 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 59.6% | 44.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 29.4% | 32.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 40,074 | 25,777 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | American Public Univ... | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,335 | $38,738 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,766 | $38,162 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,951 | $38,181 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,559 | $40,236 |
| $110,001+ | N/A | $41,762 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | American Public Univ... | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $86,275 | $62,381 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $80,417 | $80,909 |
| Marketing | $63,469 | $57,954 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | American Public Univ... | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 54 | 9 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 28 | 10 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 16 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 55 | 28 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 18 | 5 |
| Overall ROI Score | 50 | 13 |
The Verdict
American Public University System significantly outperforms Full Sail University on financial ROI (50 vs 13). The 37-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Full Sail University offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors American Public University System.
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American Public University System
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Full Sail University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.