The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Visible Music College
Visible Music College is very selective with a 28.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (46.0%). Graduates of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville earn $24,316 more per year at the 10-year mark ($60,249 vs $35,933). For families earning $48k–$75k, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is more affordable at $18,820 net price vs $24,847. Students at Visible Music College graduate with less debt ($9,500 vs $20,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Visible Music College has a higher yield rate (79.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Knoxville, TN
Memphis, TN
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is more affordable at $9,397 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $25,438 vs $29,591.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Visible Music College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (44%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- 1 Nuclear Engineering$75,204
- 2 Industrial Engineering$69,338
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$69,338
- 4 Chemical Engineering$66,653
- 5 Mechanical Engineering$66,377
Visible Music College
- 1 Religious/Sacred Music$23,649
- 2 Music$21,052
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 3 Marketing
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Visible Music College
- 1 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- 2 Music
- 3 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- 4 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$29,522
- Est. total cost/year$43,310
- School typePublic
Visible Music College
- International students7%
- Tuition (international)$20,000
- Est. total cost/year$26,000
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Visible Music College?
Visible Music College is more selective with a 28.7% acceptance rate, compared to 46.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Visible Music College?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $60,249 compared to $35,933. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Visible Music College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has a lower net price at $18,820 per year vs $24,847. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Visible Music College?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 73.5%, compared to 48.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Visible Music College?
Visible Music College has a larger international student population at 7% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Visible Music College?
At The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Nuclear Engineering graduates earn a median of $75,204 within two years. At Visible Music College, the top-earning major is Religious/Sacred Music at $23,649. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.