SAE Institute of Technology New York

CH

Chase

29 Jul 2026

As a current student nearing the end of my second module, I feel it’s important to share my experience.

Before enrolling, I had several conversations with the school because I wanted to make sure I would be set up for success both academically and financially while attending. Based on the information I received, I felt confident moving forward with the program. Unfortunately, my experience has been very different from what I understood before enrolling, and despite raising these concerns on multiple occasions, I still don’t feel they have been adequately addressed or resolved.

One of the biggest issues has been the curriculum. I enrolled with the understanding that we would be learning both Logic Pro and Pro Tools. I came into the program already feeling more comfortable with Logic and was excited to learn both DAWs together. After the program began, the focus shifted almost entirely to Pro Tools, making the transition much more difficult than I had anticipated.

The teaching approach has also been challenging. I entered this program highly motivated and maintained a 4.0 GPA. As I approach the end of the second module, I feel like I’m struggling just to pass, not because I’m unwilling to put in the work, but because I haven’t received the level of instruction and hands-on support I expected for students learning professional audio software for the first time.

The technology provided has also been disappointing. Students receive an iPad as part of the technical package, yet the primary software used in the program, Pro Tools and Logic Pro, is designed to run on a Mac, not an iPad, in the way required for coursework. That means students have limited ability to practice, complete assignments, or build their skills outside of class unless they already own the appropriate computer. Access to school studios is also limited depending on the module, making independent practice even more difficult.

I’ve also been requesting a letter simply confirming the recommended computer specifications, software, and equipment needed for the program. I have an outside organization willing to consider helping me obtain the proper equipment, but I cannot move forward without documentation from the school. Despite multiple requests, I have yet to receive it.

The financial aid process has been another source of frustration. I was told assistance would be available, yet when it came time for funds to be released, I encountered repeated delays and explanations that left me without the resources I had been expecting during the program.

I enrolled because I genuinely wanted to become an audio engineer and producer. I still want to succeed, but students should have the tools, clear communication, and instructional support necessary to do so. My hope is that SAE will take these concerns seriously, improve its support for current students, and respond to the issues I’ve raised.

JH

John Henningfield Local Guide

29 Apr 2026

My name is Gary and I’m a recent graduate of SAE Institute, and when I first arrived there I didn’t know what to expect. I was there for higher learning and my background was analog studio equipment & recording so my learning curve was to switch from analog to digital recording.
SAE Institute was absolutely fantastic and gave me the tools necessary to make that switch happen and become a professional & productive recording engineer in digital audio workstations.
The staff and faculty were amazing and absolutely wonderful in day to day communication and activities with the students, the instructors were very helpful and constantly encouraging by helping students get through their assignments and some were difficult, others were not so complicated.
By then end of the audio engineer training program it becomes more about applying what you have learned through booking studio sessions in the facility/working on assignments and doing internships in recording studios throughout New York City.
My experience in SAE Institute was great and I encourage everyone who is interested in learning to be an recording engineer to give it a chance and to give yourself a chance that can become an opportunity of a lifetime.

CH

Chris H Local Guide

1 Apr 2026

I wrote this review in mod 2 but decided to hold onto it because I wanted to give the school the benefit of the doubt as everyone deserves however after a brief email exchange with an employee I can give it no longer. The negatives out weigh the positive 10000 percent. The tech package is a scam. This school has two bathrooms both equipped with two toilets in each and during my whole time here from may to just about September two of the four toilets have been broken and I have brought it up twice to the school only to be told they’re on it. For it to take months to fix. Save your money boys and girls.

The school prides itself on being “hands on” but you have to wait forever to actually use the equipment they sell in their admissions tour. Everything I thought I was avoiding coming to this school. I also was told my both my admissions counselors (because I had two for some reason) (and neither one still works here for some reason… strange) that we would be taught abelton only to find out they’re trying to drop abelton from the course.

Furthermore I had a death in the family and when I came back in trying to get the absence excused the school asked me to provide proof of the death and when the proof I provided wasn’t enough they googled the funeral home to see if I was telling the truth which felt super disrespectful considering I was grieving needless to say it was confirmed and excused. That being said the school really has no regard for students personal lives. (It’s the states fault is always the answer) And if you have plans of coming here and using the studio and all these great pieces of equipment you better be prepared to wait because you can’t even use it till your almost at the end of the course.

I do truly hope these things will get better or at least the toilets will get fixed because I miss a lot from the two hour long lectures when I’m searching for a toilet that’s suitable in working condition to use. Lacks organization and seems like a free for all of sorts. For the amount of money this school makes off of each student it’s so disappointing. Hard drives they give you are absolute garabage half my class had broken hard drives by the second mod and even all the teachers advise against these hard drives.

We also got an IPAD that WAS NOT FREE it was included with the toy hard drive and toy headphones all for a 1 thousand dollar payment. You won’t use the iPad and the drives unreliable and the headphones are not top of the line. DAW’s aren’t given to you either so you’ll have to pay for those on your own. So to sum it up this school will sell you a lot of garbage for an up charge and you won’t use it they’ll get paid and that’s that. It’s an elaborate con in my opinion.

Tell you what you want to hear and then forget about you. The “student success counselor” only reaches out when you owe hours. I’m writing all this and realizing how pathetic all this sounds it doesn’t feel real. Stay clear you can learn all this stuff from YouTube just buy a midi your preferred DAW and clear your schedule no need to give this scam any more money. Looking forward to finishing every day if I can make it that far we shall see.

“those who try to manipulate or mislead others are the ones truly losing out, not the people who stay focused and honest.” - One of your employees.

If only the school followed this quote!

Save your money stay away.

MI

Michael

9 Feb 2026

They be selling dreams don’t buy into their crap, barely teach you anything you can’t learn on your own and expect students to be medium-professional level early on.. it doesn’t really go well for beginners and constant payment harassment monthly having to pay off dues every month and missing a few payments can get you pulled of class in front of everyone constantly and kicked out the school.

LG

Lisa G

11 Aug 2025

A friend friend of mine likes the school he just wishes there was tutoring available. I looked on the SAE website about tutoring and it says you offer tutoring but my friend told me that he was told you didn't, so which is it? Do you offer tutoring or not?

MM

Mish Mish Local Guide

18 Mar 2025

Currently attending in second mod “semester” John was great first mod and now gergios is fantastic.

LH

Lynnette Hernandez Local Guide

13 Feb 2025

I had a great time, everyone was helpful, Financial Aid was easy to understand, Career Services helped build my resume, Teachers and Staff were understanding about my work schedule and I was able to change my class schedule, Assignments were pretty easy, overall great school, would recommend for people getting into the Audio industry 👍🏼

ES

Elijah Smith

13 Feb 2025

I think this is a great opportunity and great school to be at, the staff is immensely helpful and great people. I fully wouldn’t be the engineer and artist now without this school. if you’re coming to learn production and engineering, come to SAE. I even got internships and clients because of this place.

LS

Lorenzo S Local Guide

11 Sep 2024

I graduated in 2019, I wish I never went here. I wasted so much time and money, a lot of it is just sitting in class with notes and a little hands on. The worst part is “learning” the mixing boards, I usually found myself stuck in the back of a giant group and couldn’t see the board at all while the teacher was instructing and then a few of the students would just use the board and not give anyone else a chance. Don’t waste your time or money here! 0 Stars!

SJ

Sender JeanPaul

30 Aug 2024

If this program was longer, it’d be much more worth it. $26,000 for the year is insane especially when a majority of the population is low income and half of the program is spent in a classroom. The director slipped up and called us “customers” that day of my orientation lol. Anyway, I expected to leave with a lot more knowledge than I did, but looking back, it’s simply impossible with the curriculum they have. My honest suggestion? Save your money for a 4 year program, at least you’ll leave with a degree, or enroll in Udemy for a fraction of the price if you’re disciplined enough to follow through with the programs. Mixed the most in Mod 2, and Mod 4 was fun. The entire program should’ve been that rigorous and challenging.