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Review from Karen B
1 star02/22/2024
I am so disappointed in the experience my daughter has had at Full Sail. She went in for a Bachelors degree in Computer Science with an emphasis in Artificial Intelligence. At the beginning we were given figures for the cost of the program with it tied to an Associates degree program. I let them know a few different times that this was supposed to be a Bachelors program. Each time they assured me that it was a Bachelors program and that they were sorry the information wasnt showing up correctly and they would fix it. I wanted to be sure that they had the correct information regarding the amount for the program and they assured me it was correct. The program was finally changed to show her in the correct program and the amount due stayed the same, so I was feeling at ease. Each time I would go in and look at the portal for payment and balance information it always showed the balance for the first year of the program and then showed $0.00 balance due for the second year. I took this to mean that we were to pay for the program in its entirety in the first year (in order for her to get her laptop, etc.) and once paid, we were finished with no additional due. Then right when I think Im at my last payment, ** told that they will be adding the payment schedule for the next year. I had not budgeted for any additional payments as no one ever disclosed to me that there would be more due. I was assured I had the whole program information given to me multiple times. So when we had this new information given to us, we tried to see if we could transfer the credits my daughter has earned to continue at another college for better affordability, and found out that most of the classes at Full Sail are not transferable to another college. So my daughter is stuck. I feel like this was done on purpose. They only give some of the information, get the student hooked and then there are no options once its all figured out. I could not be more frustrated.
Full Sail University Response
02/26/2024
At Full Sail, we strive to provide a quality education and exceptional services for all students. While we do not agree with the reviewers overall characterization of the University, we certainly take her experience and her daughters experience seriously. We can confirm that our enrollment team provided extensive and documented disclosures regarding the nature of the program in which the student enrolled. Furthermore, the reviewers daughter signed the Enrollment Agreement, which clearly indicated her program of study and tuition charges prior to starting the program. While we are dismayed by the reviewers comments, we did provide her and her daughter with the necessary information to make an informed enrollment decision.Review from Russell H
1 star12/02/2023
I started in 2018. Dropped it like a hot coal in 2019. This university will not understand you or your situations. I was in and out of the hospital the entirety of my first two semesters and the course "instructors" did not give me any chance to make up assignments. From my understanding, many friends I have in the gaming industry regards this university as a laughing stock. I would NOT go back here if it was my absolute last option. Steer clear if you are looking for a gaming industry degree. The courses are half-effort and the instructors and staff do not care about you. God forbid if you fall behind.Full Sail University Response
12/06/2023
At Full Sail, we strive to provide a quality education and exceptional services for all students. While we do not agree with the reviewer’s overall characterization of the University, we certainly take his experiences seriously. We can confirm that our education and advising teams provide ongoing outreach and support services to assist students during their academic journey. Additionally, the University does have relationships with numerous media and entertainment employers, and many of our graduates have found employment in the gaming industry. We hope this addresses the reviewer’s concerns, and we wish him much success in his future professional endeavors.Review from Brittany C
1 star08/11/2023
I would never recommend this school, not even to my worst enemy. This school is definitely a joke. I begged to finish and retake a course that I was failing having a hard time with and the instructor refuse to help me and told me to figure out the information on my own. When registering for the next quarter of classes I could no longer sign on to any of my classes. I called spoke to someone in administration and was told that since I failed the same class, that I asked for help with that I could no longer attend the school. THIS IS NO UNIVERSITY- BIG JOKE.Full Sail University Response
08/14/2023
Full Sail strives to provide a quality education and exceptional services for all students. Upon receiving this review, we evaluated the reviewer’s student record. The reviewer began the online Music Production, B.S. program on September 30, 2013, and withdrew on May 14, 2014. While we do not agree with the reviewer’s overall characterization of the University, we certainly take her experiences seriously. We can confirm that the reviewer attended the University, received the agreed upon educational services, and was charged accurately per the terms of her enrollment agreement. Our records indicate that the reviewer voluntarily withdrew from the University upon receiving advising from our staff regarding her academic progress and financial documentation needed to complete the financial aid process. Again, while we did not find evidence of the claims the complainant makes in this review, we do wish her much success in her future academic and professional endeavors.Review from Adam Y
1 star07/13/2023
When Dreams Turn To Nightmares: My experience at Full Sail University has been disappointing and disheartening. The lack of support for students with mental health challenges, inconsistencies in teaching methods, and questionable grading practices have significantly hindered my educational journey. The blame placed on students with PTSD by Phoebe ********, an instructor, is unacceptable. Inconsistencies in teaching methods and terminology among instructors have created confusion and undermined the learning experience. The online degree program and tutoring services are inadequate, forcing students to rely on external resources for proper instruction. Instructors' incompetence in teaching coding fundamentals has left students struggling to grasp the material. Questionable grading practices, including hidden rubrics and subjective evaluations, have created uncertainty and frustration. The lack of support, inconsistent teaching methods, and unfair grading practices have had a negative impact on my mental well-being. Customer service and technical support have been unsatisfactory. Full Sail University's for-profit nature and questionable practices with the honor society raise concerns about its integrity. The failure to address incidents involving dishonest Full Sail University has been marked by disappointment. I urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to thoroughly investigate these issues and take necessary action to ensure accountability and a quality educational experience for students.Full Sail University Response
07/20/2023
At Full Sail, we strive to provide a quality education and exceptional services for all students. Upon receiving this review, we evaluated the reviewer’s student record. The reviewer was a student and recent graduate of our Game Design program. While we do not agree with the reviewer’s overall characterization of the University, we certainly take his experiences seriously. We can confirm that our education, student success, and advising teams continuously reached out to the reviewer to address his concerns during his enrollment. Our educators and advisors made several attempts to email, message, and speak with the reviewer regarding his concerns and work toward resolving them. Again, while we did not find evidence to support the reviewer's claims, we do wish him much success in his future professional endeavors. As with all of our graduates, we encourage the reviewer to utilize the support of our Career Development team as he enters the entertainment media and emerging technology industry.Customer Response
07/20/2023
I reject this response. Complete lies. You don't strive for your students. You strive for your for profit school. I attended for a Bachelor's Degree, I walked with an Associate's Degree. One of the best moves I've ever made in my life was doing just that. You take nothing into consideration for your students. I watched you fail a special education student with autism over 5 times and did nothing to help him pass. The Better Business Bureau should seriously look into Full Sail University and open a complete investigation.Review from Blake G
1 star06/27/2023
For profit school that that uses deceptive marketing antics and prays on students hopes and dreams. They maintain the illusion and further ensnare with the “you get what you put in” and claim failure is equated to students unwilling to “put in the HARD WORK”. This school is for the fortunate sons and gives the average person very little means to success. I was tricked from a young age that this school had value through their marketing tactics and cleaver verbiage. Just look at their past ads in ****** ***** Magazine. IYKYK As an alumni of one of their Bachelor of Science programs, I can attest that this school should be rated a D at the very best. For the sake of humanity, Please topple this colossus!!Full Sail University Response
07/05/2023
Full Sail strives to provide a quality education and exceptional services for all students. Upon receiving this review, we evaluated the reviewer’s student record. The reviewer was a student and 2015 graduate. While we do not agree with the reviewer’s overall characterization of the University, we certainly take his experiences seriously. We can confirm that he was charged correctly and in accordance with the terms in the enrollment agreement that he signed before beginning the program. The reviewer attended the University, received the agreed upon educational services, and was charged accurately per the terms of his enrollment agreement. Again, while we did not find evidence of the claims the complainant makes in this review, we do wish him much success in his future academic and professional endeavors. We also encourage the reviewer to reach out to our Career Development department, which is available to him for ongoing career services should he need additional support in reaching his career goals.Review from Jonathan E
1 star05/09/2023
My son did obtain his degree in "Game Design " in 2021 and hasn't had any assistance with finding a job. He's called and I've even called and emailed Full Sails Graduate assistance and have not received any assistance other than 1 review of his resume'. I was under the impression that they assist in obtaining employment with companies that work with them. My son feels that he doesn't have the knowledge he needs to obtain even the lowest position within his field. It's sad that he has a Bachelors Degree and currently works as a night stocker at the local grocery store.Review from Troy D
5 stars02/02/2023
Graduated in 1996 and have had a marvelous career that was certainly accelerated by the education received. Self-starters and engaged students can build relationships with each other, staff, and notable graduates who often return to campus for various events including a week-long "Hall of Fame" celebration where students can interface with them. Long hours are sometimes required, just as within the professions the school is geared toward. Many campus organizations and events to facilitate socializing with peers while attending.Review from Jennifer W
1 star07/28/2022
I didn't realize that once I left Full Sail that they were still charging me after leaving the school and taking grant AND loans. Once I left I not once signed for any more funds to be used. However there is nearly or over 20K in loans, I have ZERO Pell Grant left. This was around 2010-2011. Its very upsetting that I invested so much money into a place and they continued to take money. It got to a point in classes were a lot of the students online were getting no help. We were all having to figure it out on our own. My main concern is I can not go and finish my degree or get my transcripts now. I have reached out to the school and can not get anyone to return a message, call, or email.Full Sail University Response
08/01/2022
While we do not agree with the reviewer's overall characterization of the University, we certainly take her experiences seriously. Thank you for the opportunity to respond. We have examined the reviewer's student record. We can confirm that she was charged correctly and in accordance with the terms in the enrollment agreement that she signed before beginning the program. The reviewer attended the University, received the agreed upon educational services, and was charged accurately per the terms of her enrollment agreement. We also do not withhold student transcripts. The reviewer may make a transcript request via email to [email protected].
As indicated in our catalog, a student's dissatisfaction with or non-receipt of educational services offered by the University does not excuse the student from repayment of any private loan, grant, federal loan, or other loan whatsoever made to the student for enrollment and completion of training at the University. Again, while we did not find evidence of the claims the complainant makes in this review, we do wish her much success in her future academic and professional endeavors.
Review from Patreece A
1 star06/16/2022
I was a student at Full Sail University and I was in their Creative Writing Master degree program. When the time for me to graduate from the school, I participating in the graduation ceremony and to later find out that I had to take 3 more classes because I didn't recieve the 3.0. What i did receive was a 2.87 which i was only 0.13 points away from getting my 3.0. Once i was finish with those classes I tried going into my email, try talking to someone it felt like I was like a bad dieseae. I tried to find out how can i talk to someone that was above my advisor even to the point the president of the school to see if there was anyway i can take what i needed so i can get my degree since i was so close. In one of the emails i receive from someone at the school i was told do not call the school more and there was nothing else i could do in order to get my degree at all. I recently requested if i can have a certificate that shows i completed all my classes in order to put in the book i was given for my degree. I was told no and that my transcript was good enough, which i asked for it to be sent to me to my home. though I didn't meet the gpa they wanted me to get it seem i was block from talking to anyone, even if i wanted to go to the school for another degree. I was willing to pay for the class if need be in order to recieve my degree. I wouldve thought they will be willing to work with me because i was so close to the school criteria and there was no one willing to help or fight with me. I travel 17 and half hours there and back home to walk with my class and did my best to obtain the 3.0. I have be trying to find a way that the school with benefit from me graduating and myself. I am disappointed at the fact they are not interacting. I have been gone from the school since 2018 and i just believe that there is something that can be done or they can give me my degree. I am not happy with the the service at Full Sail University.Full Sail University Response
06/20/2022
I am in receipt of the message you sent to the Better Business Bureau on June 15, 2022. Thank you for the opportunity to reply to your concerns.
I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge your past communication regarding this issue. In November 2019, you reported this issue to the *************************************************************** *************************************************************** *******) December 2019 and again March 2020. All three complaints were closed with no findings.
Please know that we understand your requests. However, we have no choice but to abide by our policies. We have exhausted every possible opportunity for you to meet the GPA requirements in order to graduate. The previous response outlines our rationale, and our decision is final. There are no further avenues for you to complete the Creative Writing, MFA degree at Full Sail. University.
I share in your disappointment and frustration. Our hope is that every student completes their coursework and meets the requirements for graduation, but that is not always the case. Please know that you have completed valuable course work and your transcripts reflect those achievements. You may find that you can complete your educational goals at another institution.
I am sorry that I cannot give you the answer you desire. If we had additional options, please know that we would afford those to you.
I wish you the very best in your future endeavors.
Review from Kathleen H
1 star02/17/2022
I enrolled in at Full Sail University when it was known as "Full Sail Real World Education" in 2003. I do not come from a family that was able to help me with Tuition, and the advisor I spoke with from Full Sail at that time told me that they suggest going through Sallie Mae for a loan. Also at the time students were encouraged to get an apartment, since there was no on campus housing, and the quote for the tuition amount included a "monthly living expense" of $1,000 a month. Apartments in Florida do range it prices, however if you want to live in a semi nice location and also feel safe the price increases, so they suggest getting a roommate and send you a list of new and current students who need roommates. I was approved for a loan by myself for $38K, that included $12K for monthly living. However, mysteriously half way through my degree my monthly living expenses (which were administered monthly by check and managed by some office within Full Sail) had run out. I was 5-6 months into a new program, I transferred from Computer Animation to Film, I also had to pay $1700 due to failing a model rendering class after the school decided to switch software programs and my work was lost. However I was told by the financial advisor assigned to be by Full Sail that she would get another loan approved for me so I wouldn't have to pay out of pocket, or out of my monthly expenses for the failed class. And being a broke college student that sounded like a good option. Yet no one could tell me where that money went, and also my financial advisor at that time was no longer working there and no one could locate her or tell me what happened to my monthly expenses. I had to get a part time job to afford rent & pay bills, while attending classes that changed monthly. Also after graduating instead of owing $38K, which was the quote given by Full Sail, I wound up owing $68K. I was told that 4 loans had been taken out in my name for Full Sail with incredibly high interest rates....?
Customer Review Rating
1.44/5stars
Average of 17 Customer Reviews
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