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 gives you a solid but not spectacular financial return. A $61,317 median salary ten years out sits comfortably above your median debt of $26,922, so the typical graduate isn't drowning. The 68.9% graduation rate and 84% retention mean most people who enroll finish and stick around, which lowers the biggest financial risk in college: paying for years and leaving with no degree.
The program picture is more mixed than the school-wide median suggests. Mathematics is the clear winner at $52,107, but the more popular paths pay less at the start. Business Administration graduates make $37,624 while carrying $26,303 in debt, and Political Science lands in the same range. Economics beats business by a few thousand dollars for similar debt, so if you're choosing between the two, Economics gives you more return per dollar borrowed. Teacher Education pays the least of the listed programs and carries the highest debt at $27,000, which is a rough combination if you go straight into a Vermont classroom.
The net price tiers are where this school gets genuinely affordable for lower-income families. If your family earns under $48k, you pay under $20,000 a year, well below the $30,033 sticker. Cross into the $48-75k band and the price jumps to $24,230. Over $110k, you pay $34,664, above the published net price.
This school fits you if your family income is under $48k and you're aiming at math, economics, or a career where the degree name matters more than the starting salary. Look harder if you're borrowing the full amount for teacher education or business, since those starting salaries barely clear your debt load and the higher-income net price leaves little room for a weak first job.
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.