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Full Sail University vs University of South Florida

Full Sail University is a private for-profit university in Winter Park, FL, and University of South Florida is a public university in Tampa, FL. University of South Florida is the more selective of the two, admitting about 43% of applicants against 100% at Full Sail University. University of South Florida is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,812 a year against $38,875 at Full Sail University. About 76% of students graduate at University of South Florida, compared with 47% at Full Sail University. Ten years after enrolling, University of South Florida alumni earn a median of about $57,743, against $38,219 for Full Sail University.

Full Sail University

Winter Park, FL · Private (for-profit)

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Public
Location
Winter Park, FL
Tampa, FL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
25,777
37,207
Acceptance rate
100%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1130–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,875
$9,812
Full cost / yr
$47,530
$22,859
In-state tuition
$26,906
$6,410
Out-of-state tuition
$26,906
$17,324
Application fee
Not reported
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$38,738
$4,122
$30k - $48k
$38,162
$5,444
$48k - $75k
$38,181
$9,326
$75k - $110k
$40,236
$15,224
Over $110k
$41,762
$18,497
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
76%
Freshman retention
53%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$31,917
$48,328
Median earnings (10 yr)
$38,219
$57,743
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$17,988
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
29%
First-generation students
39%
36%
International students
0%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 2
Regular decision
Rolling
Dec 16

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 Full Sail University or University of South Florida harder to get into?
University of South Florida is harder to get into. It admits about 43% 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, Full Sail University or University of South Florida?
University of South Florida is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,812 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 Full Sail University and University of South Florida?
Before aid, University of South Florida costs about $22,859 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, Full Sail University or University of South Florida?
University of South Florida. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,122 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, Full Sail University or University of South Florida?
University of South Florida is the larger of the two, with about 37,207 undergraduates against 25,777 at Full Sail University.
Does Full Sail University or University of South Florida have a better graduation rate?
University of South Florida has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 47% at Full Sail University.
Do graduates of Full Sail University or University of South Florida earn more?
University of South Florida alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,743 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,219 for Full Sail University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Full Sail University and University of South Florida require SAT or ACT scores?
Full Sail University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of South Florida requires SAT or ACT scores.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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