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Florida State University vs Full Sail University

Florida State University is a public university in Tallahassee, FL, and Full Sail University is a private for-profit university in Winter Park, FL. Florida State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 24% of applicants against 100% at Full Sail University. Florida State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,297 a year against $38,875 at Full Sail University. About 84% of students graduate at Florida State University, compared with 47% at Full Sail University. Ten years after enrolling, Florida State University alumni earn a median of about $61,675, against $38,219 for Full Sail University.

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL · Public

Full Sail University

Winter Park, FL · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Tallahassee, FL
Winter Park, FL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
32,212
25,777
Acceptance rate
24%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–4
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1270–1410
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
Not reported
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$11,297
$38,875
Full cost / yr
$25,720
$47,530
In-state tuition
$5,656
$26,906
Out-of-state tuition
$18,786
$26,906
Application fee
$30
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,938
$38,738
$30k - $48k
$6,963
$38,162
$48k - $75k
$10,496
$38,181
$75k - $110k
$14,991
$40,236
Over $110k
$19,239
$41,762
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
47%
Freshman retention
96%
53%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,814
$31,917
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,675
$38,219
Median debt at graduation
$18,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
34%
First-generation students
28%
39%
International students
2%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Oct 15
Not reported
Early action
Oct 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Dec 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Florida State University or Full Sail University harder to get into?
Florida State University is harder to get into. It admits about 24% of applicants, compared with 100% at Full Sail University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Florida State University or Full Sail University?
Florida State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,297 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,875 at Full Sail University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Florida State University and Full Sail University?
Before aid, Florida State University costs about $25,720 a year and Full Sail University about $47,530. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Florida State University or Full Sail University?
Florida State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,938 there, against about $38,738 at Full Sail University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Florida State University or Full Sail University?
Florida State University is the larger of the two, with about 32,212 undergraduates against 25,777 at Full Sail University.
Does Florida State University or Full Sail University have a better graduation rate?
Florida State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 47% at Full Sail University.
Do graduates of Florida State University or Full Sail University earn more?
Florida State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,675 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,219 for Full Sail University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Florida State University and Full Sail University require SAT or ACT scores?
Florida State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Full Sail University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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