FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS

We value your education.

We are excited to partner with you in funding and achieving your educational goals. We are pleased to offer resources and services to help you understand the financial aid process.

Make sure that you are being financially responsible when navigating how to pay for school. Consider options such as saving money for college, asking for support from a local church for ministry training, and other non-debt options when deciding how to pay for your education.

Helpful Links

Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with your tax information.

Visible Music College makes scholarships available for nearly every student.

Let us give you a personalized estimated total cost of attending Visible.

External scholarships and private student loans.

Federal Aid Available

We offer 4 types of Title IV Federal Aid (Stafford Loans, Pell Grants, FSEOG, and Federal Work-Study) to all qualified students.

Applying for Federal Aid

1. Complete Federal Income Tax forms as early as possible for both students and parents.
2. Apply for your Federal FAFSA PIN Number for student AND at least one parent if not applying as an independent.
3. Visible Music College’s school code number is 039823. Please keep copies of your completed FAFSA.
4. After your FAFSA is processed, the U.S. Department of Education will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR) via email.
5. Our Financial Aid Office will receive your SAR electronically from the Central Processing System.
6. If you are selected by the Department of Education to complete the verification process, our Financial Aid Office will inform you of the documents needed.
7. Verification must be complete before you receive an official award notice.
8. If you are not selected for the verification process, the Financial Aid Office will create a Financial Aid Award package and send you the list of Financial Aid you will be eligible to receive.

Visible Music College Scholarships

We know that education is a valuable investment, but one that does require funding. That is why Visible Music College makes scholarships available for those needing financial assistance.

We have opportunities for every student, at every level of financial need, talent, and academic performance. While you should research and obtain scholarship funding from any source, we want to make sure that money does not stand in the way of your professional and ministry dream of performing, recording, or serving in music.

Qualifications for each scholarship, as well as the application paperwork, are available below. All scholarships are reviewed by a committee. Your eligibility for a scholarship does not guarantee you receiving the scholarship. Institutional funds are normally granted only to full-time students.

Download the Visible Works Scholarships Handbook (listing of Student Work guidelines & all positions available)

Visible Music College Scholarships 2023-24

Visible Works Program (Bachelors)

Visible Music College offers a number of professional development tuition-waiver opportunities each year to qualifying students. Visible Works opportunities are given to students who participate in the student work service program. The Visible Works Program tuition waiver is up to the amount of $3,000 towards tuition.

Qualifications

  • Applicant must be a full-time (taking 12 or more credit hours per semester) bachelor’s Visible Music College student 
  • Applicant must demonstrate financial need (be Pell-eligible)
  • Applicant must complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Aid) by May 1st.
  • Applicant must be living in on-campus housing
  • Applicant must adhere to Visible Values and housing rules as defined in the Student Handbook
  • Applicant must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above
  • The recipient must commit to 120 hours of campus service each semester for the academic year.

Visible Works Program (Masters Only)

Visible Music College offers a number of professional development tuition-waiver opportunities each year to qualifying students. Visible Works opportunities are given to students who participate in the student work service program. The Visible Works Program tuition waiver is up to the amount of $4,000 towards tuition.

Qualifications

  • Applicant must be taking at least 6 credits/semester
  • Applicant must demonstrate financial need
  • Applicant must complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Aid) by May 1st.
  • Applicant must adhere to Visible Values and housing rules as defined in the Student Handbook
  • Applicant must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above
  • The recipient must commit to 120 hours of campus service each semester for the academic year.

Alumni Scholarship

Visible Music College offers alumni who completed their bachelor’s degree at Visible Music College a 25% discount on the Master of Arts in Leadership program.

Qualifications

  • Applicant must have earned their undergraduate degree from Visible Music College
  • Applicant must complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Aid) by May 1st.
  • Applicant must adhere to Visible Values and housing rules as defined in the Student Handbook
  • Applicant must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above

Academic Scholarship (Visible One or Bachelors Only)

Visible Music College offers a number of Academic Scholarships each year to qualifying students. The Academic Scholarship award for Visible One students is up to the amount of $1,000, for Bachelor’s students up to $2,000 towards tuition. The scholarship eligibility is first-come-first-served.

Qualifications

  • Applicant must be full-time (taking 12 or more credit hours per semester)
  • Applicant must complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Aid) by May 1st.
  • Applicant must adhere to Visible Values and Code of Conduct
  • New students must have a previous cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher GPA every semester

Talent Scholarship (Visible One or Bachelors First Year Only)

Visible Music College offers a number of Talent Scholarships each year to qualifying students (receive superior ratings at Visible Music College auditions). The Talent Scholarship for Visible One students is up to the amount of $1,000, for Bachelor’s students up to $2,000 towards tuition. The scholarship eligibility is first-come-first-served.

Qualifications

  • Applicant must be a full-time (taking 12 or more credit hours per semester)
  • Applicant must be a 1st year student at Visible
  • Applicant must complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Aid) by May 1st.
  • Applicant must adhere to Visible Values and housing rules as defined in the Student Handbook
  • Applicant must be nominated by a Visible Music College Faculty member (nomination comes as a result of superior marks on VMC audition)
  • Applicants must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above

Artist Development (Bachelors Only)

Visible Music College offers a number of artist recognition scholarships each year to qualifying students. The artist recognition Scholarship award is up to the amount of $1,000 towards tuition.

Qualifications

  • Applicant must be a full-time (taking 12 or more credit hours per semester) bachelor’s Visible Music College student
  • Applicant must complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Aid) by May 1st.
  • Applicant must adhere to Visible Values and housing rules as defined in the Student Handbook
  • Applicants must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above
  • Applicant must be selected to participate in extra-curricular music opportunities

International Students Scholarship

Visible Music College offers a needs-based scholarship to international students. This scholarship is designed to assist students from countries outside of the USA who are seeking to earn a degree at Visible Music College. The International Scholarship award is up to the amount of $5,000 towards tuition.

Qualifications

  • Applicant must be a full-time (taking 12 or more credit hours per semester) bachelor’s Visible Music College student 
  • Applicant must be an international student not currently residing in the US.
  • Applicant must demonstrate financial need
  • Applicant must adhere to the Visible Values as defined in the Student Handbook
  • Applicants must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above
  • Applicant must complete the entire application process prior to being considered for this scholarship

Ministry Partners Scholarship (Articulated)

Visible Music College offers a number of Ministry Partner Scholarships each year to qualifying students (students who complete ministry training programs at articulated partner institutions). The Ministry Partner Scholarship award varies per agreement with the various articulating partners.

Qualifications

  • Applicant must be a full-time Visible Music College student (taking 12 or more credit hours per semester)
  • Applicant must complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Aid) by May 1st .
  • Applicant must adhere to the Visible Values as defined in the Student Handbook
  • Applicants must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA or above
  • If you have completed a ministry training program that is not currently partnered with Visible Music College, you may submit your request for review and consideration for this scholarship.

Community Scholarship

Visible Music College offers a number of community scholarships each year. These are for full-time, upperclassmen who live in student housing in recognition of their involvement in the community.

Qualifications

  • Applicant must be a full-time Visible Music College student (taking 12 or more credit hours per semester)
  • Applicant must be a bachelor upperclassman (60+ credits) or Masters student living on campus.
  • Applicant must adhere to the Visible Values as defined in the Student Handbook
  • Applicants must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above
  • Maintain a passing grade for Visible Community (Undergraduate students)
  • Participate in Student Life (including Winter Retreat and October-rest)
    • This means that they are to show up to Orientation Events including House System and SGA Activities that are listed as required.
    • Must be at all scheduled RA Hall Meetings and Residential Meetings.
  • Applicants must complete housing chores during their scheduled weeks

Ambassador Scholarship

Visible Music College offers a small number of community scholarships each year. The mission of the Student Ambassador Program is to provide Visible Music College with student leaders. These student leaders will participate in special events throughout the year, tour prospective students, mentor new students, and serve as the voice of the student body. Participation will foster the growth of leadership, communication, and spiritual and professional development for its members while creating long-lasting ties with their future alma mater. Members of the Student Ambassador program will provide support, encouragement, and mentorship to prospective and new Visible students.

Qualifications

  • Applicant must be a full-time Visible Music College student (taking 12 or more credit hours per semester)
  • Applicant must be at least in your second year of the bachelor’s degree
  • Applicant must adhere to the Visible Values as defined in the Student Handbook
  • Applicants must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA or above
  • Maintain a passing grade for Visible Community (Undergraduate students)
  • Must be an in-person student

Degree Completion (Degree Completion Students Only)

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the degree completion program, students must:

  • Be aged 25+
  • Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant field
  • Transfer at least 60 credits of previous college credits.

On top of any federal aid, students will pay $20,000 flat-rate tuition (includes transfer credits, Prior Learning Evaluation, and up to 30 credits). Any credits beyond the first 30 would be discounted to 50% off of the normal rate of $675/credit hour.

More information on the degree completion program going into the master’s program is available here

Other Funding Options

Our Financial Aid Office is excited to partner with you in funding and achieving your educational goals. Alternative loan programs may be used if a student needs additional funding or if a student chooses not to receive Federal Aid. A FAFSA is required regardless.

External Scholarships

For additional outside scholarship and grant opportunities, please visit FastWeb or look here for some other options

Private Student Loans

Click on the links below to learn more about private loans and applying. Consider the following items in determining alternative loan options: interest rate, eligibility, and repayment options. Our preferred lenders are NelnetSallie MaeSoFiCollegeAve, and Discover.

These loans are for students enrolled at least half-time who are working toward a degree. High aggregate loan limits allow students to borrow enough to cover the cost of their education. Applicants for this loan must meet credit criteria and a cosigner may be required. Interest rates are variable based on the Prime Rate.

We’d love to send you some more info!

Direct Loans

These loans are taken out in the student’s name. There are two types of Stafford loans – subsidized and unsubsidized.

Subsidized loans are based on need and have the government paying the interest for the student while he/she is in school and during their grace/deferment period.

Unsubsidized loans are not need-based, and accrue interest while the student is still in school. Both loans have maximum amounts that can be borrowed based on the student’s grade level in school.

Both loans are not required to be paid back until six months after the student graduates or drops below half time. Stafford loans carry a fixed interest rate throughout the life of the loan. However, the rate depends on what year the loan is disbursed.

Fixed-rate for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans will be 2.75% on all loans first disbursed on or after 7/1/2020 but before 7/1/2021. Rates for 2021-22 are subject to change.

Pell Grants

This grant provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduates. Grant amounts are dependent on the expected family contribution (EFC), the cost of attendance, the student’s enrollment status, and whether or not the student attends for a full academic year or less.

Since these are grants, they do not need to be repaid.

Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOGs are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need—those with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) numbers.  Federal Pell Grant recipients receive priority for FSEOG awards.

Unlike Pell Grants, the amount of FSEOG funds you receive depends not only on your financial need but also on the amount of other aid you get and the availability of funds at Visible Music College.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.

The program encourages community service work and work related to each student’s course of study. Students will earn at least the current federal minimum wage, but the amount might be higher depending on the type of work available and the skills required.

Total Federal Work-Study award depends on when students apply, level of need, and the funding amount given to Visible Music College. Commissions or fees must not be paid to Federal Work-Study students. Visible Music College will pay students bi-monthly.

Also, the school must pay students directly, unless students request that the school make payments to the student’s bank account or use the money to pay for their institutional charges such as tuition, fees, and room and board. Students may not work more hours than their total award can pay.

Federal Parent Plus Loan

Technically still a federal loan, but a popular after Stafford loan option. Only parents of dependent students are eligible and the parent is primarily responsible for the loan and disbursement fees.

Fixed-rate for Parent Plus Loans will be 7% on all loans first disbursed on or after 7/1/2017 but before 7/1/2018. Rates for 2018-19 are subject to change.

Veteran Benefits

Visible Music College is approved to receive; Montgomery GI Bill®, Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill®, Chapter 1606, Reserve Educational Assistance Program, REAP, Chapter 1607, Dependents Education Assistance, DEA, Chapter 35, The New Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Chapter 33, Vocational Rehabilitation, Chapter 31, Veterans Retraining Assistance Program, VRAP. Subject to program-specific VA approval see WEAMS.

Easy Ways to Apply, go to www.VA.gov or call 1-888-442-4551

Beginning with terms starting on or after December 17, 2021, if a student is using Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefit they are required to verify their enrollment at the end of each month to receive their Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments.

By verifying that they are still enrolled in the same courses or training every month, they help avoid overpayments caused by changes to their training schedule and safeguard their GI Bill entitlement by preventing entitlement charges for training they did not attend.

Visible encourages students to opt into text messaging, which is a simple, quick option for verifying monthly enrollment and ensuring you receive their MHA/kicker payments uninterrupted. All impacted students with a US mobile phone number on file should receive an opt-in text message after being enrolled in their courses. They must respond to that text within 14 days. After opting in, they can simply reply to a VA text message each month to verify their enrollment. If they opt out of text message verification or do not respond to the opt-in text, they will be automatically enrolled in email verification with the email address on file with VA.

For more information, contact your School Certifying Official or refer to the enrollment verification webpage where many helpful resources are highlighted, including Frequently Asked Questions.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Financial Aid Questions?

Please email us at [email protected]

Or by phone: 901.381.3939 ext. 224

In-Person or Online – You Choose!