Music at Visible Music College

Visible Music College's music program produces graduates earning nearly $2,000 less than the Tennessee median for music degrees, placing it in the 40th percentile statewide—below competitors like Middle Tennessee State ($27,586) and well behind Tennessee Tech ($44,635). With a small sample size, these numbers warrant caution, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.04 means graduates carry nearly a full year's salary in loans right out of college.

The $27,000 debt load is actually lower than the national median for music programs, which offers some cushion. However, the earnings gap matters more here: students at this specialized music college are taking on debt comparable to their peers at larger universities while earning less upon graduation. Tennessee has 35 schools offering music degrees, and this program sits below the middle of the pack.

For families considering a music degree—always a financially challenging path—this program doesn't offer an obvious advantage over more established Tennessee public universities. The small graduating class might indicate strong mentorship or specialized training, but that hasn't translated into better initial earnings. If your child is committed to music, compare carefully against state schools where in-state tuition could reduce that debt burden substantially while producing similar or better employment outcomes.