American Public University System vs Full Sail University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, American Public University System comes out ahead: 50/100 to 13/100, a 37-point edge over Full Sail University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, American Public University System runs $9,597 a year against $38,875 at Full Sail University - $29,278 more a year, or about $117,112 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, American Public University System graduates earn a median $44,409 against $38,219 at Full Sail University. The cost earns itself back in 19 years at American Public University System and 91.8 years at Full Sail University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave American Public University System owing a median $21,743 versus $27,000 at Full Sail University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.79 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
On the money, this one isn't close: American Public University System clearly outperforms Full Sail University (50 vs 13), a 37-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Full Sail University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to 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.