Computer Software and Media Applications at Visible Music College

Visible Music College's software certificate program delivers earnings above the national median right out of the gate—$35,734 versus $32,672 nationally—while keeping debt manageable at $9,500. That 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly three months of their first-year salary, which is reasonable for a technical credential. The program ranks in the 67th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Tennessee's limited options for this certificate type.

The context here matters: Visible Music College is primarily known as a contemporary music school, so this tech-focused certificate represents a notable departure from their core mission. With only six schools offering this credential in Tennessee, students aren't exactly drowning in local alternatives. The $35,734 starting salary won't make anyone rich, but it's solid for a certificate program that gets students into the workforce quickly without the time and expense of a four-year degree.

For families looking at a fast-track tech credential in Memphis, this program offers decent value—assuming your child is comfortable learning software skills at a music-focused institution. The low debt load is the real advantage here, giving graduates flexibility to either enter the workforce or potentially stack additional credentials later without carrying a heavy financial burden.