Ashford University 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
Full Sail University holds a 7-point ROI advantage over Ashford University, scoring 13/100 versus 6/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Ashford University comes in at $31,266 per year (net price after aid) versus $38,875 at Full Sail University - a difference of $7,609 annually, or roughly $30,436 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Full Sail University graduates earn a median of $38,219 compared to $35,404 at Ashford University. The payback period is 656.1 years at Ashford University versus 91.8 years at Full Sail University.
Graduates leave Full Sail University with a median $27,000 in debt versus $31,250 at Ashford University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 and 0.79 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Ashford University | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,960 | $26,906 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $11,960 | $26,906 |
| Net Price (avg) | $31,266 | $38,875 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $125,064 | $155,500 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,000 | $34,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $35,404 | $38,219 |
| Graduation Rate | 10.7% | 44.3% |
| Payback Period | 656.1 yr | 91.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $31,250 | $27,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $331 | $286 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.92 | 0.79 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 42.1% | 44.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 29.3% | 32.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 20,152 | 25,777 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Ashford University | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $31,009 | $38,738 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $31,862 | $38,162 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $33,319 | $38,181 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $32,953 | $40,236 |
| $110,001+ | $33,593 | $41,762 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Ashford University | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | $66,307 | $57,954 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $61,909 | $44,933 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Ashford University | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 7 | 9 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 7 | 10 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 8 | 16 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 1 | 28 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 5 |
| Overall ROI Score | 6 | 13 |
The Verdict
Full Sail University has a meaningfully higher ROI score (13 vs 6). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if Ashford University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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Ashford University
Poor 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.