Los Angeles Film School vs Full Sail

Los Angeles Film School and Full Sail University, two prominent institutions in the realm of creative education, offer aspiring artists and storytellers a gateway to pursue their passions. While both schools share a commitment to excellence in their respective fields, they diverge in several key aspects. Los Angeles Film School, nestled in the heart of Hollywood, boasts a lower acceptance rate, fostering a more selective and intimate learning environment. Full Sail University, on the other hand, welcomes a larger and more diverse student body, providing a vibrant and inclusive campus experience. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further distinctions, including popular majors, graduation rates, and more, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique aspirations and goals.
Full Sail University logo

Full Sail University

Los Angeles Film School logo

Los Angeles Film School

Overview

Location Winter Park, Florida Hollywood, California
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (For Profit) Private (For Profit)
Calendar system Non Traditional Continuous
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate
Students retention rate 76.0% 56.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT) Not required Not required
High school GPA N/A N/A
Recommendation letters N/A N/A
High school transcript N/A N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) N/A N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $41,537
Average net price $27,420 $33,990
Tuition $25,687
Room & board
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

68.0%
Average amount $9,981
72.0%
Average amount $5,539
Students receiving federal student loan 61.0%
Average amount $11,413
72.0%
Average amount $7,961
Students taking out private loans 3.0%
Average amount $26,133
3.0%
Average amount $7,788

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 24,187
Men 69.5% Women 30.5%
5,829
Men 66.4% Women 33.6%
Graduate students 1,435
Men 55.3% Women 44.7%
N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 0.1% 2.4%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity N/A N/A
First year students are required to live on campus? N/A N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Communications Technology
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Communication and Journalism
  • English Language and Literature
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Communications Technology
  • Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio 36:1 19:1
Institutional accreditation Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 40.0% 47.6%
Dropout rate 57.6% 50.7%
Transferred out 2.4% 1.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,597
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $63,679
Computer Programming (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,514
  • Year 2: $55,042
  • Year 3: $61,390
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $55,964
  • Year 3: $61,269
Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $59,343
Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,616
  • Year 2: $50,272
  • Year 3: $50,932
Educational/Instructional Media Design (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $48,318
Marketing (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $49,436
  • Year 3: $46,953
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,321
  • Year 2: $41,136
  • Year 3: $40,451
Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,956
  • Year 2: $34,963
  • Year 3: $39,745
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $42,905
  • Year 3: $39,255
Design and Applied Arts (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $22,846
  • Year 3: $28,695
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $22,159
  • Year 2: $22,986
  • Year 3: $24,572
Music (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $20,360
  • Year 2: $16,478
  • Year 3: $20,873
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $19,200
  • Year 2: $19,113
  • Year 3: $18,833
Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $15,433
  • Year 2: $16,703
  • Year 3: $17,256
Graphic Communications (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $18,498
  • Year 3: $16,807
Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $21,111
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $21,584
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $18,984
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Los Angeles Film School and Full Sail University?

    Los Angeles Film School (LAFS) is located in the heart of Hollywood, offering a direct connection to the entertainment industry. Its programs emphasize hands-on experience and networking within the LA film scene. Full Sail University, located in Winter Park, Florida, provides a more immersive campus environment with a strong focus on technology and accelerated degree programs. While both offer film-related degrees, LAFS leans towards a traditional film school experience in a major industry hub, while Full Sail offers a broader range of media and entertainment programs with a faster pace.

  • Which school is better for networking opportunities?

    Los Angeles Film School generally offers superior networking opportunities due to its location in Hollywood. Students have more direct access to internships, industry events, and working professionals. Full Sail University also provides networking opportunities, but they are less concentrated in the traditional film industry and more spread across various media and entertainment sectors.

  • How do the program lengths compare between LAFS and Full Sail?

    Full Sail University is known for its accelerated degree programs, allowing students to complete their degrees in a shorter timeframe compared to Los Angeles Film School. LAFS programs typically follow a more traditional semester-based schedule, which may take longer to complete.

  • What types of programs do each school offer?

    Los Angeles Film School primarily focuses on film, animation, audio, and music production. Full Sail University offers a broader range of programs, including film, gaming, animation, music, business, and technology-related degrees. If you're looking for a wider variety of media and entertainment programs, Full Sail might be a better fit. If you're specifically focused on film and related arts, LAFS is a strong choice.

  • How does the cost of tuition compare between Los Angeles Film School and Full Sail University?

    Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and degree level. Generally, both Los Angeles Film School and Full Sail University are considered to be on the higher end of the tuition spectrum for film schools. It's best to check the official websites of both institutions for the most up-to-date tuition information and financial aid options.

  • What is the campus environment like at each school?

    Los Angeles Film School is integrated into the Hollywood environment, offering a more urban and industry-focused experience. Full Sail University has a more traditional campus setting in Winter Park, Florida, providing a more immersive and self-contained learning environment.

  • Which school has better equipment and facilities?

    Both Los Angeles Film School and Full Sail University invest heavily in providing students with industry-standard equipment and facilities. Full Sail is known for its state-of-the-art technology and sound stages. LAFS also offers modern equipment and facilities, often reflecting the current standards used in Hollywood productions. It's recommended to take a virtual or in-person tour of both campuses to assess which facilities best suit your needs.

  • What are the career services like at Los Angeles Film School and Full Sail University?

    Both schools offer career services to help students find internships and jobs after graduation. Los Angeles Film School leverages its Hollywood location to connect students with industry opportunities. Full Sail University has a dedicated career development department that assists students with resume building, interview skills, and job placement. The effectiveness of career services can vary, so it's worth researching alumni outcomes and placement rates for specific programs.

  • How do the teaching styles differ between the two schools?

    Los Angeles Film School emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience, often taught by industry professionals. Full Sail University also focuses on hands-on learning but incorporates a more structured and accelerated curriculum. Both schools aim to prepare students for the industry, but their approaches to teaching and pacing may differ.

  • Which school is better for international students?

    Both Los Angeles Film School and Full Sail University accept international students and offer support services to assist them with visa requirements and cultural adjustment. The best choice for an international student depends on their specific program interests, preferred learning environment, and desired location. It's advisable to contact the international student offices at both schools to inquire about specific support services and application requirements.