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Private for-profit, 4-year

SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee · usa.sae.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$15,828

$42,714 with room and board

Peer median $40,478

Undergraduates

1,712

Student-faculty ratio 11:1

Peer median 9 : 1

“Peers” are all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville is a renowned institution specializing in audio engineering, music production, and various aspects of the entertainment industry. Located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, often referred to as "Music City," the campus is ideally situated to immerse students in a vibrant music and arts culture. This strategic location not only provides students with access to a wealth of live music events and festivals but also connects them to a network of industry professionals and potential employers, enhancing their educational experience and career prospects.

The institute prides itself on its hands-on approach to learning, with state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology in audio production and sound engineering. Students engage in practical training using industry-standard equipment, allowing them to gain invaluable skills and experience. Furthermore, the faculty at SAE Nashville comprises experienced professionals from various fields within the music and entertainment industries, ensuring that students receive expert guidance and mentorship. The school's commitment to fostering creativity and innovation is reflected in its diverse curriculum, which encourages students to explore their artistic talents while developing technical expertise. Overall, SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville stands out as a premier choice for aspiring audio engineers and music producers, offering a rich educational environment that is both inspiring and conducive to professional growth.

Analysis of SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville Data

The data from the SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville reveals significant trends in tuition fees, student numbers, and graduation rates over the years. Notably, the tuition for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students peaked in 2019 at $32,035, followed by a plateau at $33,199 from 2020 to 2022. However, a remarkable decline in tuition is observed in 2023, dropping to $17,194, which may reflect the institution's response to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and a competitive education market. This significant reduction could attract more students amidst rising concerns about educational affordability.

The enrollment numbers present a dramatic increase, especially from 2020 onwards, where student numbers surged from 303 in 2020 to an impressive 1,556 in 2023. This growth might be attributed to changes in the institution's offerings, marketing strategies, or a broader trend of students seeking technical and vocational education that is perceived as more directly aligned with job opportunities.

Graduation rates, however, tell a more concerning story. The on-time graduation rate dropped significantly to 0% in 2022, raising questions about the academic support provided to students. This decline can be alarming for potential students and their families, as it suggests challenges in successfully completing programs. Furthermore, the retention rate has fluctuated, with a notable spike to 100% in 2021, possibly indicating a temporary stabilization in student satisfaction or engagement, followed by a decline to 50% in 2022.

The gender ratio among undergraduates shows a predominance of male students, with males constituting approximately 84% of the undergraduate population in 2023. This imbalance highlights a potential area for growth in attracting female students, which is essential for fostering a more diverse educational environment.

In conclusion, while SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville shows promising growth in enrollment, the challenges in tuition management, graduation rates, and gender diversity need to be addressed to ensure long-term sustainability and success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
In Nashville
Nearest international airport
Nashville International Airport (BNA), about 7 mi
Nashville, Tennessee
Academic calendar
Other
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Jake Elsen (General Manager and Chief Operating Officer)
Phone
6152445848
City
Nashville, Tennessee
Address
7 Music Circle N, Nashville, TN 37203

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1880 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's161 international (6.3%)
Top 1 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Recording Arts Technology/Technician
16

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

The graduation data from SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville for 2023 reveals significant insights into the distribution of degrees awarded across various programs. Notably, the Recording Arts Technology program stands out with a substantial number of associate degrees conferred, totaling 171 graduates. This figure indicates a strong interest and enrollment in this field, highlighting the program's appeal and the increasing demand for skilled technicians in the recording arts industry.

In contrast, the Cinematography and Film/Video Production program shows a minimal output, with only 14 associate graduates. This low number could suggest a niche interest in this area or potentially limited capacity within the program, which may affect future job prospects for graduates in a competitive media landscape.

Interestingly, none of the programs reported any international students graduating with bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees, indicating a possible lack of diversity in the student body or challenges faced by international applicants in these specific fields. The absence of international graduates might impact the programs' global perspectives and the cultural exchange within the educational environment.

Furthermore, the data shows that while the Recording Arts program has a strong foundation at the associate level, there is a clear gap in higher-level degree offerings. Not having graduates in the master's or doctorate categories could reflect a potential area for program development, aligning with industry trends where advanced qualifications may enhance career opportunities in the arts and entertainment sectors.

Overall, the graduation statistics present a mixed picture, with certain programs flourishing while others face challenges. This analysis underlines the importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation of educational offerings to meet the evolving demands of the job market.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Communications technologies has 172 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Recording Arts Technology/Technician.$25,925-$30,026
Visual and Performing artshas 32 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.-
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, Other.$22,227

Students

1,712 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 81:19

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,712)

Black
1,018 · 59.5%
Hispanic
269 · 15.7%
White
232 · 13.6%
Two or more races
108 · 6.3%
Unknown
40 · 2.3%
Asian
23 · 1.3%
International
2 · 0.1%

Data insights

Demographic Insights into SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

The student demographic data for SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville in 2023 reveals intriguing patterns regarding gender distribution and ethnic diversity among different categories of students. Among undergraduate freshmen, there is a majority of male students, with a notable 83.1% representation, while female students account for only 16.9%. This trend continues into the undergraduate upperclassmen category, where the male-to-female ratio is even more pronounced at 85.6% to 14.4%. Such overwhelming male representation may reflect broader trends in certain technical fields where male enrollment tends to be higher.

The data for undergraduate transfer students shows a slightly more balanced gender distribution, with 66.7% of students identifying as male and 33.3% as female. This shift could suggest that transfer students may come from more diverse educational backgrounds or fields of study, where female representation is stronger.

Furthermore, examining the ethnic breakdown of freshmen, it is evident that the majority are white, with 80.4% of the total population, followed by smaller percentages of other ethnic groups. This demographic representation highlights a potential area for growth in promoting diversity and inclusion within the institute.

Overall, while SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville demonstrates a robust enrollment, the gender and ethnic compositions suggest a need for strategies aimed at increasing female participation and enhancing the diversity of the student body, which is crucial for fostering an inclusive educational environment.

Age Demographics at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

The age demographics of students at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville reveal a predominantly young adult population, with the majority of students falling within the 18-29 age range. This aligns with broader trends observed in higher education, where younger individuals are more likely to pursue undergraduate studies. For instance, nearly 54% of male students are between 22 to 24 years old, indicating a strong presence of students in their early twenties, who often seek to establish their careers shortly after graduation.

Interestingly, there is a noticeable absence of graduate students across all age groups, which may suggest a focus on undergraduate programs or a potential gap in graduate-level offerings. Furthermore, the data indicates a disparity in gender representation, with male students significantly outnumbering female students, especially in the younger age categories. For example, in the 20-21 age group, there are 37 male students compared to just 3 female students, reflecting ongoing challenges in achieving gender equity within technical fields.

The presence of older students, particularly those aged 30 and above, is relatively minimal, which raises questions about the accessibility of technology programs for non-traditional students. As industries evolve, fostering an inclusive environment that accommodates a diverse age range could enhance the educational experience and better reflect the workforce. Overall, while SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville attracts a youthful demographic, addressing gender imbalance and inclusivity for older learners remains essential for future growth.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.1%

2 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.4%2023: 0.1%2024: 0.1%2025: 0.1%
2016Peer median 5.0%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

The data pertaining to international student enrollment at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville reveals a fluctuating trend over the years. In 2007, the institution had a total of 311 undergraduate students, with only one international student, marking a mere 0.32% of the total. This percentage saw a gradual increase in subsequent years, peaking at 3.19% in 2009, when the institution had 188 undergraduates, and six were international students. However, the numbers dropped significantly in the following years, with only one international student recorded in 2010 and again in 2022.

The enrollment numbers fell dramatically in 2023, despite the undergraduate total soaring to 1,556. The international student count remained low at just two, resulting in a disappointing 0.13% representation. This decline in the proportion of international students could potentially reflect broader trends in higher education, such as increased competition among institutions for international enrollment, economic factors affecting student mobility, or possibly a shift in the institution's focus or marketing strategies.

In light of the global pandemic and its aftermath, many educational institutions have faced challenges in attracting international students. The observed trends at SAE Institute may be indicative of these broader challenges. As institutions work to recover and adapt in the post-pandemic landscape, it will be crucial for SAE Institute to implement strategies to enhance its appeal to prospective international students, ensuring a diverse and vibrant student body in future years.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$42,714

Undergraduate tuition
$15,828
Room and board
$26,886
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $58,844 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Tuition rose -15% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 169%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$31.3M

Tuition and fees
$26.2M83.7%
Other
$5.1M16.3%

Expenses$33.7M

Instruction
$4.4M13.1%
Institutional support
$3.3M9.9%
Academic support
$2.4M7.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.2M6.4%
Student services
$1.4M4.1%
Other
$20.1M59.4%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$40,442peers $68,014
Instructor
$40,442peers $55,481

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable institutions near SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville:

  1. Vanderbilt University - Ranked 18th in the 2024 US News rankings, Vanderbilt is a prestigious private research university located in Nashville, known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Belmont University - This university is ranked 236th and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on liberal arts and professional studies, also situated in Nashville.

  3. Lipscomb University - Ranked 236th, Lipscomb is a private Christian university that emphasizes a holistic education, integrating faith and learning within its diverse academic offerings.

  4. The University of the South - This liberal arts college, ranked 51st, is located in Sewanee, Tennessee, and is known for its picturesque campus and strong academic emphasis on undergraduate education.

  5. University of Alabama at Birmingham - Ranked 142nd, UAB is a prominent public research university, recognized for its health sciences programs and extensive research initiatives.

These institutions provide a rich educational landscape for students in the Nashville area.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 1.3 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Data insights

Crime Trends at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

The crime data from SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville reveals a fluctuating trend from 2013 to 2023, with notable variations in reported incidents. Interestingly, the period between 2014 and 2017 recorded very few criminal activities, contributing to an overall low crime rate. The years 2013 and 2016 saw the highest rates, with 8.20 and 14.18 incidents per 1000 students, respectively.

The spike in 2016, primarily attributed to incidents of gun-related arrests, raises questions about safety measures during that period. However, it is noteworthy that the following years, from 2017 to 2023, reported no incidents at all, suggesting a significant improvement in campus safety and possibly effective preventive measures.

The absence of reports in recent years might indicate either a successful crime prevention strategy or a potential underreporting of incidents. This trend reflects broader national concerns about campus safety and the effectiveness of university policies in addressing issues like substance abuse and violence.

Overall, while the low crime rates observed in the last few years are encouraging, continuous monitoring and proactive measures are essential to ensure a safe environment for students. For further information on crime rates and their calculations, please refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.