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SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

Nashville, TN | Private For-Profit | Trade School

SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville has annual tuition of $17,514, and average net price of $24,700, with a 41.7% six-year graduation rate, about 1,712 undergraduates, and median earnings of $23,932 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville is a private for-profit institution in Nashville, TN. Students most often pursue Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians and Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management.

Academically, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.

It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

Unranked
Ranking
Insufficient data
How We Rank Schools Small campus feel
At a Glance
Ranking
Not reported
Tuition
$17,514
Net Price
$24,700
4-Year Tuition
$70,056
Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Transfer Rate
0.0%
Student Population
1,712
Student-Faculty
11:1
Graduation Rate
41.7%
Retention Rate
Not reported
6-Yr Earnings
$23,932
ROI
Not reported

Who is SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students who thrive with close mentoring
First-gen or Pell-eligible support
Learners who value a tight-knit campus
Students valuing supportive learning environments

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$23,154-$27,402 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Somewhat likely
41.7% finish within six years.
What are job outcomes?
Employment outlook unavailable
Employment rate data is not reported. Median earnings six years after entry are $23,932. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$119,964
$29,991 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$111,150
$24,700 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: N/A | 6-Year Rate: 41.7%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Six-year completion is 41.7%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$29,991
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$24,700
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $17,514
Books and Supplies $1,399
On-Campus Room and Board Not reported
On-Campus Other Expenses Not reported
Total On-Campus Cost $29,991

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
60.6%
Federal Loan
70.1%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 60.6% of SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,006/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $27,402/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
Not reported
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $23,932
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $39,544
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $9,245
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 43.5%
  • Employment Rate Not reported

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $23,932 six years after enrollment — roughly 45% below the national median.
Payback Period
4.64 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Selectivity Not Reported
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACTNot required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 1,712
  • Full-Time Students 100.0%
  • Part-Time Students 0.0%
  • Retention Rate Not reported
  • Graduation Rate 41.7%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1

How to Get Into SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

1. Meet Program Requirements: SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville focuses on practical skills and career readiness. Review the specific program requirements, which may include a high school diploma or equivalent, and any prerequisite coursework.

2. Prepare for Your Program: Focus on demonstrating your interest in the field and readiness for hands-on training. Some programs may require interviews or portfolio submissions.

3. Understand Admissions: Trade and certificate programs typically have open or moderately selective admissions focused on program fit rather than academic competition.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville undergraduates. Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technician, Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, and Film/Video and Photographic Arts draw the most students.

  • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technician 90.8%
  • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management 6.5%
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts 2.8%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Certificate Programs

  • 1. Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians $32,998
  • 2. Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians $28,220
  • 3. Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management $26,528

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians grads earn $32,998—24% more than Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management ($26,528). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree, 69 graduates)
  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Associate's Degree, 16 graduates)
  • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degree, 8 graduates)
  • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 3 graduates)
  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 1 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (1 program)
  • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)
  • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,712
  • Full-Time Students 100.0%
  • Part-Time Students 0.0%
  • Male Students 81.1%
  • Female Students 18.9%
  • Caucasian 13.6%
  • Asian 1.3%
  • Hispanic 15.7%
  • Black 59.5%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 60.6%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's undergraduate population. Women make up 18.9% of the student body, while men represent 81.1%.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
39.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
46.8%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
7.6 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville has a diverse student body, with 13.6% identifying as White. Men make up 81.1% of undergraduates. 60.6% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
39.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
46.8%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
7.6 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville is unranked in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a Unranked overall grade with 0.0% ROI.

At $24,700 annually, the institution serves students seeking accessible higher education. Career outcomes and value metrics should be carefully compared against alternative institutions before enrolling.

EDsmart Assessment: SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

Unranked grade | Unranked

Performance Overview: SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's 0.0% return on investment and unranked status reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $24,700 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.

Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's specific programs against alternatives, as institutional averages may not reflect individual program quality. Financial aid packages, program-specific outcomes, and career services vary significantly.

Decision Framework: Use SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's Unranked grade and unranked status as starting points, not final answers. Evaluate program-specific outcomes, campus visit impressions, financial aid offers, and career placement rates in your intended field before making enrollment decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • 41.7% six-year graduation rate sits 20.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $23,932 run about 45% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $24,700 is roughly $7,303 higher than the national median of $17,397.
  • 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
  • Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $24,700 is about $7,303 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • 70.1% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Located in Nashville, TN, SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville operates as a private for-profit institution and receives a Unranked from EDsmart. Completion earns Unranked, Support Unranked, Career Outcomes Unranked, and Affordability Unranked.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Expect about 41.7% of students to graduate within six years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $24,700 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $29,991.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $5,291 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $9,245 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 60.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Median earnings come in near $23,932 six years after enrollment. That sits about 45% below the national median.

Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.

Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
0.00 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

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Compare with similar schools
See how SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
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Visit SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville Website →

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Similar schools data is not available. Use our search to find comparable institutions.

Nearby Schools

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Note: EDsmart’s national college rankings compare four-year, bachelor’s-granting institutions. Certificate- and trade-focused schools are not included in that ranking pool. The schools below are four-year references in the same state only, not peer comparisons.

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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
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A- #303 of 6,101

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville cost?

At SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville, listed tuition and fees are $17,514 per year, and the average net price after aid is $24,700. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's graduation rate?

At SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville, the six-year graduation rate is 41.7%.

What are SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's job outcomes?

Graduates of SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville report median earnings of $23,932 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's student population?

SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville enrolls about 1,712 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationAccrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Data Source & Methodology