What is the SAE Institute Known For?
The SAE Institute has garnered a global reputation as a premier educator in the creative media and entertainment industries since its establishment in 1976 Sydney, Australia.
With a rich history spanning decades, the institute has significantly contributed to the growth and development of professionals in the field. Expanding its footprint across continents, SAE Institute established its presence in Europe during the 1980s, Asia in the 1990s, and the United States in 1999.
The institute has a widespread presence in key cities like Nashville, Miami, San Francisco, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Offering a comprehensive curriculum, cutting-edge facilities, and industry-relevant programs, SAE Institute remains dedicated to nurturing talent and providing students with the skills needed to thrive in creative media and entertainment’s dynamic and evolving landscape.
Is it Legit?
Each SAE Institute’s U.S. campus holds accreditation from relevant accreditation boards based on their respective locations.
For instance, SAE Institute Atlanta is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) while operating as a branch campus of SAE Institute of Technology Nashville in Nashville, TN, which ACCSC also accredits. Similarly, SAE Institute Chicago holds licensure from The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and is accredited by ACCSC.
These accreditations emphasize the SAE Institute’s commitment to providing quality education in the creative media and entertainment sectors. By adhering to recognized accreditation standards, SAE Institute ensures its students receive a reputable and industry-recognized education, equipping them with the skills and qualifications needed for success in their chosen fields.
Is the SAE Institute Worth It?
SAE Institute is a worthwhile choice for students aspiring to enter the entertainment and creative media industries. With a legacy of accredited training dating back to 1976, the institute has nurtured numerous notable alums who have succeeded, including winners of prestigious awards like Oscars, Grammys, and BAFTAs.
Offering hands-on, practice-based education from day one, SAE Institute ensures that students on each campus across the U.S. are immersed in real-world projects, preparing them for the dynamic nature of the creative media landscape.
The institute’s commitment is further evidenced by its collaboration with industry partners, employment of specialist teachers with practical experience, and provision of personalized education in industry-standard facilities.
With specialized programs in audio, digital film, and entertainment business, SAE Institute remains responsive to the ever-evolving nature of these industries. Ultimately, the institute aims to help students unlock their potential, realize their dreams, and embark on exciting careers in the creative media field.
The SAE Institute vs. Community College
Choosing the SAE Institute over a community college offers students a distinct and globally oriented educational experience. With over 50 campuses across more than 20 countries, the institute provides a worldly atmosphere and an international student body, fostering a unique, diverse, and creative community.
SAE’s global expertise, coupled with its practical learning approach through accredited pathways, ensures students acquire industry-relevant skills, preparing them for successful careers. The intensive fast-track options at SAE Institute allow students to earn a diploma in as few as 12 months and an associate degree in as few as 16 months, expediting their entry into the workforce.
The institute’s commitment to individual practical training is evident in its pioneering hands-on, industry-focused, and personalized curriculum, delivered in professional-quality facilities. Moreover, SAE Institute goes beyond the classroom, encouraging students to engage with the real world through industry networking events, alumni festivals, and job fairs. Faculty with industry experience and awards further solidify SAE Institute as a prime choice for those seeking outstanding creative educational opportunities.
Acceptance Rate
The SAE Institute has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
Tuition for students at the SAE Institute may range between $20,000 to $25,000 per year, depending on students’ programs and courses of study.
Students can graduate in as little as 12 months with a certificate or diploma or in as little as 16 months with an associate’s degree, offering a more affordable pathway for those seeking more accessible education opportunities. The SAE Institute additionally accepts federal aid through loans and grants, further emphasizing the institution’s commitment to providing quality higher education to all.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Campus hours at the SAE Institute may vary depending on the location. Typically, most campuses are open between 10 AM and 10 PM, Mondays through Thursdays, and 10 AM and 6 PM on Fridays.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Digital Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Marketing
Communications and Media
- Advertising
Graphics, Design, and Arts
- Art
- Computer Animation
- Digital Arts
- Film
- Game Design
- Game Programming
- Graphic Design
- Music
Campus Locations
Chicago 820 North Orleans Street, Suite 125/135, Chicago, IL, 60610
Emeryville 6601 Shellmound Street, Emeryville, CA, 94608
New York 218 West 18th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10011
Nashville 7 Music Circle North, Nashville, TN, 37203
Peachtree 215 Peachtree Street, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA, 30303
North Miami 16051 West Dixie Highway, Suite 200, North Miami Beach , FL, 33160
Financial Aid Services
Students at SAE Institute can earn scholarships based on need and merit. Application forms are available online. Students can also use the FAFSA to apply for government tuition assistance. Those who qualify can receive grants and loans, or participate in a work study program.
Student Services
Staff members offer advising and personal tutoring to help students succeed in their classes. Experts can answer questions about transcripts, fees, and academics. SAE Institute welcomes and accommodates all students, including those with disabilities.
Career Services
SAE Institute has a team of professionals from a variety of industries who help students find their dream jobs. The Career Services staff offers resume feedback, interview coaching, and portfolio development tips. Students can also attend regular workshops to learn about getting a job in the entertainment industry.
Veteran and Military Services
Former and current military members can receive education benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs. Students can apply for tuition assistance online or at their local VA office. Those with questions can call the financial aid office at the campus they wish to attend.
Alumni Services
The SAE Alumni Hub helps former students connect online with other graduates in their field. Another platform lets alumni showcase their portfolios to potential employers. The SAE Alumni Association also sends a newsletter to keep graduates up-to-date and aware of planned networking events.
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, the SAE Institute is characterized by a high-quality, hands-on, technical training experience set within a challenging structural and logistical environment.
Overall Score: 4.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
- Knowledgeable Staff and Hands-on Learning: The most consistent praise is directed at the quality of the technical training and the staff. Reviewers highlight the “awesome” studio facilities and the effectiveness of the curriculum for “hands-on” learning, ensuring students are well-prepared with practical skills.
- Quality and Success of the Program: Alumni and family members express strong satisfaction, describing the decision to attend as the “BEST DECISION EVER” and noting it as the “Best college ever” for those who completed the program, reflecting the value of the education received.
- Supportive Environment: Students have noted that the staff is “helpful” and “willing to help you,” indicating a supportive atmosphere that assists students through their educational journey.
- Very Good Professional Training: The core professional training is consistently described as “very good,” suggesting a high standard for the curriculum and instruction provided by the faculty (referred to as “conductors” in one review).
Common Criticisms
- Non-Transferable Credits (Structural Issue): The most significant and recent structural criticism is that the courses and degrees obtained at SAE will not transfer to other accredited schools. This is a major caveat for students who plan to pursue higher degrees or transfer their credits elsewhere.
- Location and Logistical Difficulties: The school’s physical location is a recurring and strong point of friction. Reviewers complain of “crazy difficult” transportation and the hassle of “nonfree Parking,” suggesting accessibility is a significant problem.
- Organizational and Communication Issues: Some former students described the school as “very disorganized.” Issues included faculty sometimes being unfamiliar with parts of the curriculum and a generalized lack of organization, while another questioned the high cost ($\$30,000$) relative to some instructors’ “miniscule resumes.”
Momentum
The overall rating has been consistently sustained at 4.0/5. The most recent feedback is mixed, continuing to praise the hands-on quality of the education while also emphasizing the ongoing critical issues of non-transferable credits and location/parking problems.
The school’s owner has demonstrated a strong commitment to engaging with its student base by quickly and personally responding to negative and vague complaints (dating back 6 to 8 years). This proactive response suggests the school is actively monitoring feedback and addressing concerns as they arise.