Full Sail University vs South University-Richmond
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: Full Sail University and South University-Richmond come out about even on financial return. Full Sail University scores 13/100 and South University-Richmond scores 11/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, South University-Richmond runs $30,442 a year against $38,875 at Full Sail University - $8,433 more a year, or about $33,732 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Full Sail University graduates earn a median $38,219 against $34,421 at South University-Richmond. The cost earns itself back in 91.8 years at Full Sail University and 999 years at South University-Richmond.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave South University-Richmond owing a median $26,123 versus $27,000 at Full Sail University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.79 and 0.80 - 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 | Full Sail University | South University-Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $26,906 | $18,145 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $26,906 | $18,145 |
| Net Price (avg) | $38,875 | $30,442 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $155,500 | $121,768 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,200 | $32,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $38,219 | $34,421 |
| Graduation Rate | 44.3% | 42.1% |
| Payback Period | 91.8 yr | 999 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $27,000 | $26,123 |
| Monthly Payment | $286 | $277 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.79 | 0.80 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 44.7% | 45.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 32.9% | 27.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 25,777 | 232 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Full Sail University | South University-Ric... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $38,738 | $29,903 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $38,162 | $31,379 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $38,181 | N/A |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $40,236 | N/A |
| $110,001+ | $41,762 | $33,277 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Full Sail University | South University-Ric... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 9 | 6 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 10 | 7 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 16 | 15 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 28 | 25 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 5 | 6 |
| Overall ROI Score | 13 | 11 |
The Verdict
It's close. Full Sail University edges out South University-Richmond by 2 points (13 vs 11), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Full Sail University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
South University-Richmond
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.