Ashford University 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, Full Sail University comes out ahead: 13/100 to 6/100, a 7-point edge over Ashford 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, Ashford University runs $31,266 a year against $38,875 at Full Sail University - $7,609 more a year, or about $30,436 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Full Sail University graduates earn a median $38,219 against $35,404 at Ashford University. The cost earns itself back in 656.1 years at Ashford University and 91.8 years at Full Sail University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Full Sail University owing a median $27,000 versus $31,250 at Ashford University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 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 | 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 the clearly stronger ROI here (13 vs 6) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Ashford University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
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.