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
The financial return at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville is weak. You'll pay a net price above $21,000 a year, yet median earnings ten years out land under $40,000. That gap is the core problem: the price sits in private-college territory while the payoff sits closer to what a high school graduate earns in Nashville's service economy.
The one bright spot is debt. A median of $9,500 borrowed is low, well below what most four-year students carry, so you're not walking out buried in loans. But that low debt figure partly reflects that the sticker cost gets paid some other way, and the earnings number tells you the degree isn't buying much lift.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so there's no way to point you toward a major that pays off versus one that doesn't. Treat any specific audio or media program claims with caution until you see program-level salary data directly from the school.
The graduation rate is under 46%, which is the sharpest risk. More than half of enrolled students don't finish, and if you leave without the credential you've paid the price with nothing to show for it. Combine that with flat earnings and this becomes a bet you can easily lose.
The net price barely moves across income levels. A family under $30,000 pays about $21,193. a family over $110,000 pays $21,754. There's almost no need-based discount here, so if you're low-income, expect to cover nearly the full cost regardless of what you earn.
This school fits you only if you have a concrete plan to work in a specific technical field and can confirm the earnings before enrolling. If you're comparing broadly on cost and payoff, look elsewhere.
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.