Full Sail University has eliminated 180 positions across its Winter Park, Florida, campus as part of what the school describes as an “organizational realignment.”
The latest cuts affect roles in multiple areas, including academic, administrative and operational departments, according to the university. Full Sail has not publicly released a detailed list of the positions eliminated or said exactly when all of the cuts took effect.
The university said the decision reflects changes in workflows, enrollment patterns and technology that have altered where Full Sail needs to focus its resources.
“Changes in workflows, enrollment patterns, and technology have altered where Full Sail needs to focus and which roles are required to best serve the institution for the future,” the school said in a statement.
Despite the workforce reduction, Full Sail said no degree programs are being eliminated as part of the restructuring.
The university also said the changes are intended to maintain continuity of instruction and student services.
“We remain confident in our ability to deliver an exceptional educational experience now and into the future,” Full Sail said.
Employees affected by the layoffs are receiving support through the university’s Human Resources department, although the school has not provided additional details about severance or other assistance.
The latest job cuts represent another significant workforce reduction for Full Sail.
In 2025, the university eliminated 120 faculty and staff positions, representing about 5% of its workforce at the time. Full Sail said those cuts were made to support the school’s long-term sustainability.
Combined, the two announced rounds of reductions account for 300 eliminated positions since 2025.
The school has not said whether additional layoffs are planned.
Full Sail University is a private, for-profit institution based in Winter Park, near Orlando.
The university specializes heavily in programs connected to the entertainment, media and technology industries. Its areas of study include film production, game development, music, recording arts, creative writing, design, business and technology.
Full Sail has built a reputation around career-focused programs designed for students seeking work in creative and technical industries. Its graduates have contributed to films, television productions, video games, music projects and other award-winning entertainment work.
The latest restructuring comes as many colleges and universities across the United States continue adjusting to changes in enrollment and operating costs.
Technology is also changing how universities manage administrative tasks, online learning and student services. However, Full Sail has not said that artificial intelligence specifically caused the latest layoffs, and there is no confirmed evidence that the eliminated positions were directly replaced by AI.
For current students, the university’s most important message is that academic programs are continuing.
Full Sail says the workforce changes are designed to preserve instruction while adjusting staffing to current needs.
Still, the elimination of 180 jobs marks a substantial change for the university and the local Winter Park community.
As of September 1, Full Sail has not provided a department-by-department breakdown of the affected roles or announced further restructuring.
For now, the university says its focus is on adapting to changing enrollment, workflows and technology while continuing to serve students and graduates.
