At $30,033/yr net price, Saint Michael's College graduates earn $61,317/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,317/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,033 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $120,132 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,317/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,317/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,922 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,855/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,637/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,230/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,761/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,664/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,933 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $40,896 | $24,750 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $38,289 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,624 | $26,303 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,424 | $26,434 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,755 | $26,250 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,658 | $27,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $31,762 |
The Risk Factor
68.9% of students at Saint Michael's College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Saint Michael's College delivers mixed financial returns with median 10-year earnings of $61,317 against a net price of $30,033 annually. Your return depends heavily on your major choice and career path after graduation.
Mathematics graduates earn the highest median salary at $52,107, making it the strongest financial bet among the school's programs. Economics follows as another solid choice with graduates earning $40,896 while carrying relatively manageable debt of $24,750. Business programs show weaker returns with graduates earning just $37,624 despite accumulating $26,303 in debt.
The school's 68.9% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly one in three students will leave without completing their degree, potentially carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 84% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so later in their academic career rather than dropping out early.
You face a particular challenge with financial aid availability. Only 17.7% of students receive aid, meaning most families pay close to the full net price. This makes Saint Michael's a poor financial fit if you need substantial assistance to afford college.
The school works best financially if you can afford the full cost without significant borrowing and plan to major in mathematics, economics, or another quantitative field. Students considering education, psychology, or business majors should carefully weigh the modest earning potential against the substantial cost. The Vermont location limits your job market primarily to New England, which may constrain salary growth compared to graduates who can relocate to major metropolitan areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Michael's College worth the cost?
Saint Michael's College graduates earn $61,317 annually ten years after graduation, which is modest given the $30,033 yearly cost and $26,922 median debt. The 68.9% graduation rate suggests many students don't complete their degrees, making the investment riskier than at schools with higher completion rates.
What are the best paying majors at Saint Michael's College?
Mathematics graduates from Saint Michael's College earn the highest salaries at $52,107 annually. Psychology and Economics majors earn $44,933 and $40,896 respectively, while Education and Business majors earn under $38,000 annually.
How much debt do Saint Michael's College graduates have?
The typical Saint Michael's College graduate leaves with $26,922 in student loan debt. With starting salaries averaging $61,317, graduates can expect manageable debt payments if they complete their degree and find steady employment.
Does Saint Michael's College have good financial aid?
Saint Michael's College brings the net price down to $30,033 annually after financial aid, though this is still substantial for a school with modest graduate earnings. Students should carefully evaluate whether their chosen major justifies this cost level.