At $26,181/yr net price, Visible Music College graduates earn $35,933/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,933/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,181 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,933/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,933/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 54.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,457/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,799/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,847/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,636/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,591/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religious/Sacred Music. | Bachelor | $23,649 | |
| Music. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
48.3% of students at Visible Music College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Visible Music College delivers poor financial returns with median earnings of just $35,933 ten years after graduation against a net price of $26,181 annually. Your investment will likely take decades to pay off, if ever.
The earnings data reveals a harsh reality about music industry careers. Religious/Sacred Music graduates earn only $23,649 annually, while general Music majors fare slightly worse at $21,052 with $26,000 in median debt. These salaries barely exceed what you could earn with a high school diploma in many markets, making the college investment questionable regardless of your specific program.
The 48% graduation rate signals additional risk. Nearly half of students never finish their degree, leaving them with debt but no credential. The 73% retention rate suggests many students recognize the poor value proposition and transfer elsewhere after their first year.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family financial support or view your degree as personal enrichment rather than career preparation. The relatively low $9,500 median debt figure offers some protection, but even modest borrowing becomes problematic when your earning potential remains so limited.
You should look elsewhere if you need your degree to generate reasonable financial returns. The Memphis music scene, while culturally rich, offers limited high-paying opportunities that justify college-level investment. Consider community college music programs, state schools with stronger job placement records, or direct industry apprenticeships that avoid tuition costs entirely while building practical skills and connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Visible Music College worth the cost for music careers?
With graduates earning around $36,000 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $26,000 annually, Visible Music College shows weak financial returns. Music industry careers typically have low starting salaries, making the debt-to-income ratio challenging for most graduates.
What is the job outlook for Visible Music College graduates?
Religious/Sacred Music graduates earn about $24,000 annually while general Music graduates earn around $21,000. These earnings are well below the national average and may make loan repayment difficult given the program costs.
How much student debt do Visible Music College students typically have?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,500, which helps offset the poor earnings outcomes. However, with only a 48% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their degree.
Should I attend Visible Music College if I want financial stability?
The low graduate earnings and modest job prospects make Visible Music College a poor choice for financial stability. Consider this school only if you have strong financial support or view music as a calling rather than a career investment.