University of Phoenix-Arizona 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 5-point ROI advantage over University of Phoenix-Arizona, scoring 13/100 versus 8/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, University of Phoenix-Arizona comes in at $13,520 per year (net price after aid) versus $38,875 at Full Sail University - a difference of $25,355 annually, or roughly $101,420 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Full Sail University graduates earn a median of $38,219 compared to $37,752 at University of Phoenix-Arizona. The payback period is 70.5 years at University of Phoenix-Arizona versus 91.8 years at Full Sail University.
Graduates leave Full Sail University with a median $27,000 in debt versus $31,553 at University of Phoenix-Arizona. 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 | University of Phoenix-Ari... | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,552 | $26,906 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $9,552 | $26,906 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,520 | $38,875 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $54,080 | $155,500 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,200 | $34,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $37,752 | $38,219 |
| Graduation Rate | 20.8% | 44.3% |
| Payback Period | 70.5 yr | 91.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $31,553 | $27,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $335 | $286 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.92 | 0.79 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 42.1% | 44.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 32.1% | 32.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 85,991 | 25,777 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Phoeni... | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,776 | $38,738 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,833 | $38,162 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,963 | $38,181 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $17,177 | $40,236 |
| $110,001+ | $19,150 | $41,762 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Phoeni... | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming | $76,918 | $83,694 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $81,636 | $66,676 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $75,805 | $80,909 |
| Marketing | $72,745 | $57,954 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $71,385 | $62,381 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $57,523 | $44,933 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Phoeni... | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 11 | 9 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 10 | 10 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 7 | 16 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 5 | 28 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 5 |
| Overall ROI Score | 8 | 13 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Full Sail University edges out University of Phoenix-Arizona by 5 points (13 vs 8), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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University of Phoenix-Arizona
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.