Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Associate's Degree) at SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville

Median Earnings (1yr)

$17,881

5th percentile

Median Debt

$20,000

At national median

Analysis

SAE Nashville graduates earn nearly $4,400 less than the national median for this program—landing in the bottom 5% nationally with first-year earnings of just $17,881. That's below the poverty line for a family of two. The unusual twist: this program ranks in the 60th percentile within Tennessee, but only because SAE is the sole school reporting data for this associate's in the state, making that comparison meaningless for families trying to gauge value.

The modest $20,000 debt load seems reasonable on paper, but paired with these earnings, graduates face a debt-to-income ratio of 1.12—meaning they owe more than half their annual salary. While earnings do climb 19% by year four, reaching $21,319 still leaves graduates far behind national peers who earn $22,265 right out of the gate. The high Pell grant percentage (76%) suggests this program enrolls students who can least afford a slow financial start.

For families considering this path, the math is unforgiving: the same debt could finance a program with substantially higher earning potential. Nashville's media industry offers opportunities, but this particular credential doesn't appear to unlock them effectively. If your child is set on entertainment management, exploring bachelor's programs or different institutions would likely deliver better returns on this investment.

Where SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all arts, entertainment,and media management associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville	$17,881	$21,319	+19%
Austin Community College District	$22,265	$27,959	+26%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
SAE Institute of Technology-NashvilleNashville	$17,027	$17,881	$21,319	$20,000	1.12
Full Sail UniversityWinter Park	$26,417	$25,184	—	$32,718	1.30
Austin Community College DistrictAustin	$2,550	$22,265	$27,959	$14,375	0.65
National Median	—	$22,265	—	$20,000	0.90

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with arts, entertainment,and media management graduates

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Producers and Directors

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

$63,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville, approximately 76% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 63 graduates with reported earnings and 77 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.