SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville
SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville Worth It?
At a value score of 17/100, SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $39,544 — 26% below average — while paying $24,700/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.5-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 44% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #9 of 27 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Strayer University-Florida | 62 | $16,064 | $40,092 |
| #2 | Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology | 39 | $21,276 | $47,792 |
| #3 | Plaza College | 26 | $19,860 | $31,519 |
| #4 | Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe | 24 | $31,681 | $34,657 |
| #5 | The College of Westchester | 23 | $16,296 | $42,215 |
| #6 | Arizona College of Nursing-Las Vegas | 23 | $30,921 | $34,657 |
| #9 | SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville | 17 | $24,700 | $39,544 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville
Program-level earnings data isn't available for SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,700/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Nashville, TN
- Student Body
- 1,712 students
- Graduation Rate
- 44%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,700
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $39,544
- Median Student Debt
- $9,500