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Visible Music College

Memphis, TN | Private Nonprofit | College

Visible Music College is a private nonprofit university in Memphis, TN ranked #1635 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 79 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 28.0%. Students most often pursue Religious/Sacred Music and Computer Software and Media Applications.

Academically, students benefit from a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, 66.7% first-year retention, and 22.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.

Families typically invest $27,820, about $10,822 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -70.9%, roughly 156.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $32,345. That's about $11,343 below national results. It's a compelling fit for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and students looking for meaningful faculty access.

C
Ranking
#1635 of 6,101
How We Rank Schools Small campus feel

Visible Music College has an acceptance rate of 28.0%, annual tuition of $22,000, average net price of $27,820, and a national rank of #1635 (Grade C), with a 22.9% six-year graduation rate, about 79 undergraduates, and median earnings of $32,345 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

At a Glance
Ranking
#1635 of 6,101 (Top 26.8%)
Tuition
$22,000
Net Price
$27,820
4-Year Tuition
$88,000
Acceptance Rate
28.0%
Transfer Rate
20.0%
Student Population
79
Student-Faculty
6:1
Graduation Rate
22.9%
Retention Rate
66.7%
6-Yr Earnings
$32,345
ROI
-70.9%

Who is Visible Music College Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students who thrive with close mentoring
First-gen or Pell-eligible support
Learners who value a tight-knit campus
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#1635 of 6,101
Top 26.8% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
15.9 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
0.79 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
C-
#1,769 of 6,101
Affordability
B-
#1,194 of 6,101
Support
B
#631 of 6,101
Career Outcomes
C+
#1,491 of 6,101

Visible Music College graduates 22.9% of students within six years and keeps 66.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$27,744-$30,820 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Challenging
22.9% finish within six years. 8.0% complete in four years.
What are job outcomes?
Highly likely
83.3% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $32,345. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Visible Music College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$127,280
$31,820 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$125,190
$27,820 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 8.0% | 6-Year Rate: 22.9%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 8.0% and six-year completion is 22.9%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$31,820
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$27,820
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $22,000
Books and Supplies Not reported
On-Campus Room and Board $7,000
On-Campus Other Expenses $6,883
Total On-Campus Cost $31,820

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
48.8%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 48.8% of Visible Music College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$27,744
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$26,450
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$27,873
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$110,001+
$30,820
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $27,744 to $30,820 depending on family income. Use Visible Music College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$124,848
$30K-$48K families
~$119,025
$48K-$75K families
~$125,428
$110K+ families
~$138,690

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
-70.9%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $32,345
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $32,345
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $9,500
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.3%
  • Employment Rate 83.3%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Visible Music College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $32,345 six years after enrollment — roughly 26% below the national median.
Payback Period
3.87 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Visible Music College vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Visible Music College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Visible Music College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: While Visible Music College graduates earn $32,345 median, the -70.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
28.0%
Moderately Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 19-30
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 79
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 66.7%
  • Graduation Rate 22.9%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 6:1

How to Get Into Visible Music College

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Visible Music College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 28.0%, Visible Music College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: Visible Music College accepts 28.0% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Visible Music College undergraduates. Music, Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, and Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft draw the most students.

  • Music 66.7%
  • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication 16.7%
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 16.7%
  • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technician 0.0%
  • Religion/Religious Studies 0.0%
  • Religious Music and Worship 0.0%
See more majors
  • Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries 0.0%
  • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management 0.0%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Religious/Sacred Music $35,942
  • 2. Computer Software and Media Applications $35,734
  • 3. Music $25,929
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Music $24,993

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Religious/Sacred Music grads earn $35,942—44% more than Music ($24,993). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Visible Music College. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 79
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 55.7%
  • Female Students 44.3%
  • Caucasian 51.9%
  • Asian 5.1%
  • Hispanic 19.0%
  • Black 21.5%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 48.8%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Visible Music College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Visible Music College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Visible Music College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
23.8%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
33.3%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
9.5 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Visible Music College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Visible Music College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
23.8%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
33.3%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
9.5 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Visible Music College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Visible Music College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -70.9% ROI. Ranked #1635 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.

The $27,820 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $32,345 median earnings. With 22.9% graduating within six years and 66.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.

Private University Value: Visible Music College's Positioning

With a C grade and #1635 ranking, Visible Music College competes in the crowded regional private university market.

The Private University Premium: At $27,820 annually, Visible Music College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 66.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.

Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $19,474 achieve particularly strong value.

Cost-Benefit Reality: The -70.9% ROI and $32,345 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $17,820+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.

Competitive Standing: Visible Music College ranks #1635 of 6101 institutions, with 1598 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • 22.9% six-year graduation rate sits 39.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 66.7% first-year retention is 10.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • -70.9% return on investment is 156.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $32,345 run about 26% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $27,820 is roughly $10,423 higher than the national median of $17,397.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 6:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 66.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 83.3% employment rate within three years sits 15.1 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $27,820 is about $10,423 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Located in Memphis, TN, Visible Music College operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C from EDsmart. It appears at #1635 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion C-, Support B, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability B-.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

66.7% of learners come back after year one while 22.9% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -70.9% for this program.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $27,820 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $31,820.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $4,000 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $9,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 48.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Median earnings come in near $32,345 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 26% lower.

Employment outcomes report about 83.3% of alumni working within three years.

EDsmart lists the ROI at -70.9%, offering a quick read on value.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

28.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Visible Music College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
0.79 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Visible Music College stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Visible Music College Website →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Visible Music College's acceptance rate?

Visible Music College's acceptance rate is 28.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does Visible Music College cost?

At Visible Music College, listed tuition and fees are $22,000 per year, and the average net price after aid is $27,820. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is Visible Music College's ranking?

Visible Music College ranks #1635 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is Visible Music College's graduation rate?

At Visible Music College, the six-year graduation rate is 22.9%, and first-year retention is 66.7%.

What are Visible Music College's job outcomes?

Graduates of Visible Music College report median earnings of $32,345 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is Visible Music College's student population?

Visible Music College enrolls about 79 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • Endowment$10,900
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate20.0%

Data Source & Methodology