As a name of means of higher education, Full Sail University is considered a big name amongst the students aspiring to build career in creative fields, such as media, entertainment and technology. But, like all institutions, prospective students often ask, is Full Sail University legit?
This article discusses the accreditation, programs, admission requirements, cost, reviews, career paths, and other similar options to aid you in your decision making for your studies.
Full Sail University Legitimacy & Accreditation
One of the main things that can be used to evaluate legitimacy of a university is. For many students, figuring out if Full Sail University is a viable institution to obtain valid degrees and certifications is something that it is on their mind. Before we dive into the legitimacy of it.
Accreditation
Full Sail University is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Although national accreditation guarantees that Full Sail University encompasses specific academic standards of quality, regional accreditation is what some employers prefer. Most often nationally accredited schools are more focused on vocational and career focused programs.
Furthermore, Full Sail University is licensed to deliver degree programs from the Florida Department of Education.
Recognition and Credibility
Full Sail University is specialized programs, best known for its creative programs around film production, music production, video game design, and digital arts. For decades, students in these fields have built a strong reputation with the institute, whose industry focused programs have been recognized by employers in the entertainment, media and technology industries.
While the university is credible in its fields of focus, its national accreditation may not be so well known to traditional industry employers.
Full Sail University Programs & Degrees
With the media, entertainment, technology and arts, Full Sail University offers a lot of programs for the students. Here’s a look at some of its most popular degree programs:
Undergraduate Programs
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Design: This Digital Art program enables students to create digital art for the media industries such as graphic design, animation and interactive media.
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design: This degree is ideal for any individual that is keen on video games with the objective of being able to create, develop and market video games.
- Bachelor of Science in Film Production: In this program, students work hands on in film and television production learning from scriptwriting to post-production editing.
- Bachelor of Science in Music Production: The technical side of music creation, recording and mixing is the meat for aspiring musicians and producers..
Graduate Programs
- Master of Fine Arts in Media Design: This program taps into visual communication strategies, digital design strategies, and design leadership skills for professional looking to build upon their design and leadership skills in media.
- Master of Science in Entertainment Business: Student will receive instruction in the management of the entertainment industry including marketing, production, business strategy.
- Master of Science in Game Design: This program is aimed at experienced game developers wanting to learn advanced game design techniques, leadership and strategic development.
Certifications & Short Courses
In addition to academic programs, Full Sail provides various certifications and short courses that can enable students to improve specific skill in the field they love. These are the best fit if you want to fast track your education or specialize your area of expertise.
Full Sail University Admission Requirements
The way that Full Sail University accepts students changes from program to program. However, here are the general requirements:
Undergraduate Programs
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: You have to have finished your high school education or GED.
- Application: Complete an application form and submit. Full Sail University operates in a rolling admissions process so that you can apply whenever it’s convenient for you.
- Transcripts: Depending on the program, you will submit your high school or prior college transcripts.
- Interview: It may require some interview or a portfolio submission at least specially if the program is in the arts or the entertainment field.
Graduate Programs
- Bachelor’s Degree: You are required to have a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
- Application: Application forms must be submitted, as with the undergraduate programs.
- Transcripts: Get your undergraduate transcripts.
- Personal Statement or Portfolio: There may not be personal statement or portfolio of work requirement depending on the program.
- Letters of Recommendation: For those who wish to apply for some graduate programmes, they find they need to have letters of recommendation from professionals or professors.
Full Sail University Cost & Financial Aid
The cost of Full Sail University varies based on the urbanity of where students live, their total enrollments, whether they attend full or part time, their own degrees, and an assortment of other factors.
Full Sail University cost can change based on program. Below are some general cost estimates:
Tuition Costs
- Undergraduate Programs: Most bachelor’s degree tuition is in the range of $20,000 – $30,000 a year.
- Graduate Programs: Master’s programs cost from $25,000 to $40,000 in tuition.
Financial Aid
How does a school manage to cope up with the costs of the education it provides? Full Sail University provides financial aid in many forms to pay for the education it offers. This includes:
- Federal Financial Aid: The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be completed by students, so they can apply for federal student loans and grants.
- Scholarships: Scholarships available from Full Sail are based on merit and need. Usual subjects available, for undergraduate programs.
- Payment Plans: The company ‘s payment plans, which allow students to pay tuition on a flexible basis, are also listed.
- Veterans Assistance: Veterans and their families can avail themselves of financial assistance through GI Bill help at Full Sail University.
Full Sail University Reviews & Student Experiences
Reviews by students are very good facts to consider when weighing up the top universities. Most recently, Full Sail University has suffered mixed reviews in the years since. The hands on approach is favored by many students most particularly in creative fields.
Positive Aspects
- Industry-Relevant Programs: Full Sail provides industry connections that students appreciate — connections that help with internships and post graduation jobs.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The University has modern labs, production studios and technology that is fitted into its programs.
- Passionate Faculty: Instructors at Full Sail often also have industry background, creating authenticity for what they’re teaching.
Negative Aspects
- Cost: One of the most often cited cons was the high price tag attached to full tuition, which Full Sail obtains due to a national accreditation.
- National Accreditation: Lack of regional accreditation limits the degree’s value, say some students, since it counts for little when searching for work outside of the creative industries.
- Workload: Other students find the workload hard, carrying large amounts of assignments and deadlines.
Career Paths
Students at Full Sail University are trained for a career in several industries. Below are some potential career paths:
- Film Production: After graduation, you can work in film studios, for producing companies or independent filmmaking.
- Game Design: Graduates may be working as game developers, game designers, or as game programmers in gaming companies.
- Music Production: They work in recording studios, as independent artists or otherwise in music industry in positions of a sound engineer or music producer.
- Graphic Design: After grad, they can become graphic designers in advertising agencies, media comanies or tech firms.
- Entertainment Business: Candidates for the graduate managerial roles can be media production companies or entertainment firms or broadcasting networks.
Alternatives to Full Sail University
While Full Sail University is a great option for certain fields, there are other institutions to consider:
1. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
- Strong reputation in the creative industry and offers wide range of programs in art, design and media.
2. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
- CalArts is especially known for concentrating its energies in film, animation, music, and digital media programs.
3. University of Southern California (USC)
- USC has a globally respected name and really strong industry connections and it offers top tier programs in film, media and entertainment.
Chart: Full Sail University vs Alternatives
| Feature | Full Sail University | SCAD | CalArts | USC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | National (ACCSC) | Regional (SACS) | Regional (WASC) | Regional (WASC) |
| Tuition (Annual) | $20,000 – $30,000 | $38,000 – $50,000 | $47,000 – $55,000 | $58,000 – $65,000 |
| Programs Available | Film, Music, Game Design, etc. | Art, Design, Media | Animation, Film, Music | Film, Media, Business |
| Financial Aid Options | Scholarships, Loans, GI Bill | Scholarships, Loans | Scholarships, Loans | Scholarships, Loans |
| Reputation in Industry | Strong in Creative Fields | Strong in Art & Design | Strong in Animation & Film | Strong in Film & Media |
FAQs
1. Is a degree from Full Sail University worth it?
Full Sail University offers definitely a good course if you are looking after a career in entertainment, media or in the creative industries. It offers students interested in these fields hands on experience as well as industry connections and a wide range of specialized programs. But if you’re looking to go the traditional route or seek regional accreditation, Full Sail may not be the place for you.
2. Is Full Sail University’s degree program available online?
Full Sail University does offer online programs, among the formats offered are degrees in digital art, game design and media studies to name a few. Such programs are intended to have a flexible nature in that the students can do so with their work at their own pace.
3. Can I transfer credits from Full Sail University to another school?
Since Full Sail is nationally
Transferring credits to another school could be challenging, however, if that other school is regionally accredited. Before making a decision, it’s recommended to check with the other school.
Conclusion
If you’re a person looking into attending a school for film production, music production, game design or if you’re looking into studies of digital arts, then Full Sail University is a legitimate place. These provide special programs, understandings by doing, and good links with industry.
However, it is nationally accredited and costs a lot of tuition. Full Sail University allows you to evaluate whether it’s the best fit for you by considering the career goals you want to achieve, the financial situation you are in and the specific program you would like to study.