Audio & Video Technology at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

Nashville, TN · Private for-profit · Certificate · Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians

a smaller institution with 1,800 students in Nashville, TN.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $14,477/yr fall 35% below the $22,234 national median for Audio & Video Technology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 13.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Audio & Video Technology carry above-average AI exposure (50% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $9,500 against $14,477/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #24 ranking among 26 Audio & Video Technology programs places SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $14,477-to-$28,220 earnings arc over five years reflects a 95% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 10 apprenticeship pathways connected to Audio & Video Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

26 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
20
Low End
26
Score
29
High End
Earnings $14,477/yr (-35% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (50% shielded)
Job Market Medium (20,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$254K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
14.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$17,027
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,220
95% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Audio & Video Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Film and video editors $70,980 +4.0% 47%
Camera operators, television, video, and film $68,810 +1.2% 58%
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners $67,310 -0.3% 4%
Film and video editors
$70,980
+4.0% growth 47% AI-proof
Camera operators, television, video, and film
$68,810
+1.2% growth 58% AI-proof
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners
$67,310
-0.3% growth 4% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Audio & Video Technology Career Guide

Explore what Audio & Video Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 26 programs nationwide.

Read the full Audio & Video Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Audio & Video Technology Overview

Audio & Video Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's Audio & Video Technology program score?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Audio & Video Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
How vulnerable is Audio & Video Technology to AI automation?
AI won't eliminate Audio & Video Technology careers, but it may reshape them. At SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville, a score of 26/100 already accounts for the 50% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Can you still earn well with Audio & Video Technology from SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville?
Starting salary is one data point. If SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Audio & Video Technology graduates?
There are 10 registered apprenticeships connected to Audio & Video Technology occupations, such as Audio Operator and Camera Operator. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →