At $21,299/yr net price, SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville graduates earn $39,544/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,544/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,299 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,196 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,544/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,544/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 15.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,193/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,217/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,296/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,517/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,754/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $20,666 | $17,919 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $19,712 | $9,500 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Associate | $19,045 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
45.8% of students at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost. With median earnings of just $39,544 ten years after graduation and a net price of $21,299 annually, you face a challenging payback period that could stretch for decades.
The school's audio and media programs produce particularly weak outcomes. Audiovisual Communications graduates earn around $20,000 annually while carrying debt loads up to $17,919. Arts and entertainment management majors fare slightly better at $19,045 but still face a $20,000 debt burden. These earnings barely exceed what many high school graduates can achieve without college debt.
The 45.8% graduation rate compounds the financial risk. More than half of students leave without completing their program, often while still carrying debt. This creates a worst-case scenario where you pay college costs but lack the credential to access higher-paying positions.
SAE Nashville works financially only if you have specific industry connections or guaranteed job placement that the general data does not capture. The school might make sense if your family can pay the full cost upfront, eliminating debt concerns, or if you plan to use the credential as a stepping stone to entrepreneurship rather than traditional employment.
Most prospective students should look elsewhere. Community colleges offer similar technical training at much lower cost, while state universities provide broader career flexibility. The combination of high costs, low earnings potential, and poor completion rates creates a financial profile that favors the institution over student success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville worth the cost?
With graduates earning $39,544 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $21,299 annually, SAE Institute offers modest returns compared to most colleges. The low graduation rate of 46% means many students don't finish their programs.
What is the ROI for SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville programs?
SAE Institute's audio and media programs lead to starting salaries around $19,000-$20,000, which is below the national average for college graduates. Students typically need several years in the industry before seeing meaningful salary growth.
How much debt do SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville graduates have?
The median debt load is relatively low at $9,500, which is manageable given the modest post-graduation earnings. However, students who don't complete their programs may struggle with even this amount.
Do SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville graduates find good jobs?
SAE graduates enter competitive creative industries where entry-level positions often pay less than $25,000 annually. Success depends heavily on building industry connections and developing a strong portfolio beyond classroom work.