Full Sail University (FSU) Introduction and History

Introduction

Full Sail University is a for-profit university located in Winter Park, a suburb of Orlando, Florida. The school was established as a recording arts institution in Ohio in the late 1970s. It moved to Florida, where film and video production programs were added, in 1980.

The university is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, which provides national accreditation for a variety of career training programs throughout the United States. It is not a regionally accredited school. Students may pursue associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.

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Information Summary

Ranks 95th in Florida and 2545th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	56.4
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$24,639
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	26 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	64% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	20,170

History

The institution was originally founded as Full Sail Recording Workshop, a school intended to train students to become recording engineers. As film and other media programs were offered, its name changed to Full Sail Real World Education. The school received its current name in 2008 after receiving university status from the state of Florida’s Department of Education Commission for Independent Education.

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Academics

Students may pursue degrees and certificates online or on campus. The school’s programs of study concentrate on entertainment industry-related fields, including web-based technologies, audio and digital media production, video game design, animation, and more. The school prides itself on offering up-to-the-minute courses relevant to real-world happenings in the entertainment, media, and arts industry.

The university offers a variety of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees well as graduate certificates. A monthly course system is used instead of the traditional academic semester system. The typical associate’s degree program at Full Sail University takes approximately one year to complete, while bachelor’s degree programs take an average of 20-30 months. Master’s program average around one year to complete.

The online academic offerings are more extensive than its on-campus offering. However, not all on-campus programs are offered online (and vice versa).

Most Popular Fields of Study

Unique Programs

The university’s campus includes a backlot to replicate Hollywood movie and television sets.

The World Wrestling Entertainment internet show WWE NXT and the nationally syndicated morning show The Daily Buzz are both filmed at the school.

Admissions

Specific admissions requirements vary depending on the program that students wish to study. For example, applicants must display artistic talent and understanding in order to be considered for the programs in Game Art or Computer Animation. Applicants must also have a strong foundation in upper-level math courses in order to be admitted to the Game Development program.

Bachelor’s level programs require applicants to possess a high school diploma or a GED as well as a letter of recommendation from a previous teacher or mentor.

The admissions process is greatly centered around an interview that applicants must have with one of the school’s admissions representatives. Based on the results of this interview, both the student as well as the school will have a better idea of the likelihood of Full Sail University being the right fit.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for eligible students. Prospective students are encouraged to learn more about aid options directly from the university.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 68th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Florida.

Students

The university does not offer on-campus housing, yet thanks to the school’s proximity to the Orlando-Kissimmee metro area there are countless apartment complexes and other housing options nearby. The school can help students locate suitable housing accommodations and offer assistance to students who wish to find other students as roommates.

There are a wide variety of school-approved organizations for students, most of which are geared toward entertainment and media industries. These include student chapters of AIGA, a professional design organization, and GRAMMY U, the Grammy University Network. Other student groups include an entertainment industry networking club and a Gay-Straight Alliance.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Local Community

Winter Park has a population of nearly 30,000 residents. It is home to Rollins College in addition to Full Sail University. Local attractions include a museum of American art that is home to the world’s largest collection of the famed Tiffany glass, several theatres, and Hannibal Square.

Winter Park is northeast of Orlando, home to Walt Disney World and a plethora of other famous theme parks and attractions.

Alumni

The university has over 35,000 graduates. Notable alumni include Oscar winner Gary Rizzo, screenwriter / director Darren Lynn Bousman of the horror movie Saw franchise, and Howard Stern Show producer J.D. Harmeyer.

Notable instructors have included Dave Arneson, the co-creator of Dungeons and Dragons, and businessman Stedman Graham, perhaps best known as Oprah Winfrey’s significant other since the mid-1980s.

Full Sail University