Saint Michael's College
Colchester, Vermont · Private Nonprofit · 84.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 63/100 · Fair Value
Saint Michael's College scores 63 (Fair Value) on the CampusROI scale. The repayment rate of 89.7% at three years is exceptional and the completion rate of 72.8% is solid. These two metrics indicate that graduates who finish are managing their finances well. The weaker metrics are the payback period (9.2 years) and debt-to-earnings ratio (0.650), reflecting that $51,450 in sticker tuition drives up debt even after the $25,239 net price. Median 6-year earnings of $41,400 against $26,922 in median debt produce the 9.2-year payback. Business Administration (57 graduates, $51,126 year-one, ROI grade C+) is the largest program and the strongest financial performer. Accounting (10 graduates, $56,723 year-one, ROI grade C+) is the top earner by year one. Economics (12 graduates, $47,211 year-one, ROI grade C+) and Teacher Education (11 graduates, $45,489 year-one, ROI grade C) are the remaining programs with C+ or better grades. Psychology (53 graduates), Biology (31 graduates), International Relations (17 graduates), and Communication (10 graduates) all carry D ROI grades, indicating significant debt relative to earnings for nearly half the graduating cohort.
Saint Michael's College
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $51,450/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $51,450/yr |
| Average net price | $25,239/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $100,956 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,317 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $26,922 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $285 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 72.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,092 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Saint Michael's College is $51,450/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $25,239/year, or roughly $100,956 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,825/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $34,539/year.
The median graduate leaves with $26,922 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $285 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $61,317 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.65 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,825 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,940 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,384 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,586 |
| $110,001+ | $34,539 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 bracket pays $12,825 per year — the lowest net price in Saint Michael's income schedule and a meaningful signal of institutional commitment to access. Four-year cost around $51,300 against $41,400 median earnings and a 9.2-year payback is a middle-tier result. Low-income students who complete and enter business or accounting have the best financial outcomes; those in humanities or social sciences at $51k total cost face a tighter equation.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $18,384, and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $26,586. Four-year costs of $73,500-$106,000 are significant for a regional liberal arts college. Middle-income families choosing Saint Michael's over SUNY Vermont, UVM, or other public options are paying a premium that the earnings data only partially justifies. The specific program matters more than the institutional average.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $34,539 per year. Four-year cost around $138,000 is expensive for this earnings profile. Full-pay attendance at Saint Michael's is financially justifiable only for specific programs (business, accounting, economics) with clear career tracks. Generic liberal arts enrollment at full pay produces a poor return on investment based on the Scorecard data.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Saint Michael's College with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $73,566 | C+ |
| Psychology | $52,589 | D |
| Biology | $64,203 | D |
| International Relations | $56,954 | D |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $46,755 | D |
| History | $47,689 | - |
| Economics | $82,447 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $54,308 | C |
| Accounting | $56,723 | C+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $59,313 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is Saint Michael's largest program: 57 graduates, $51,126 year-one, $73,566 at year four, C+ ROI grade, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.527 with $26,950 median debt. Starting at $51k with $27k in debt is a workable but not strong financial outcome at private-school prices. The four-year trajectory to $73k is reasonable. Business here benefits from Vermont's proximity to the Burlington market and New England employer network, but the sticker price limits the ROI.
Accounting
Accounting shows $56,723 year-one for 10 graduates, with a C+ ROI grade and debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.458 with $26,000 median debt. Scorecard does not report year-four earnings for this program. Starting at nearly $57k with $26,000 in debt is a reasonable outcome for a small Catholic college. Accounting graduates from Saint Michael's enter regional public accounting and finance roles; the small cohort size limits statistical confidence but the trajectory is credible.
Economics
Economics shows 12 graduates with $47,211 year-one and $82,447 at year four, C+ ROI grade, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.519 with $24,500 median debt. The four-year trajectory from $47k to $82k suggests a significant portion of economics graduates proceed to finance, consulting, or graduate programs in the years following graduation. The jump is larger than typical sector wage growth and implies career-path transitions rather than simple raises.
Psychology
Psychology is Saint Michael's most popular program at 53 graduates but carries a D ROI grade: $36,902 year-one, $52,589 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.732 with $27,000 median debt. Near year-one earnings of $37k against $27k in debt at a private institution charging $51,450 in tuition produces a financially stressful outcome. The strong repayment rate (89.7% institution-wide) may reflect parental support rather than earnings. Psychology at Saint Michael's requires a graduate school pipeline to make financial sense.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 86.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 89.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 92.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 93.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 84.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 550-620 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 570-660 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 26-31 |
| Enrollment | 1,092 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 23.7% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,332 |
Saint Michael's admits 84.5% of applicants. SAT 550-620 Math and 570-660 Reading reflect a moderate academic bar. ACT 26-31 composite is the equivalent. The high admission rate means most applicants gain entry; the academic profile filters out only a small fraction of candidates. The stronger filter is fit with the Catholic residential culture.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Saint Michael's peer set includes Bennington College, Champlain College, Walla Walla University, AdventHealth University, and Christian Brothers University. Champlain College (Burlington peer) has a more career-focused curriculum and stronger completion metrics; Bennington has a distinctive unstructured curriculum with weak Scorecard earnings. Among Vermont privates, Saint Michael's occupies the traditional Catholic liberal arts slot. The 89.7% repayment rate is the most distinctive positive metric in its peer comparison.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Michael's College (this school) | 63 | $25,239 | $61,317 |
| AdventHealth University | 63 | $30,135 | $72,282 |
| Christian Brothers University | 62 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| Walla Walla University | 62 | $23,329 | $61,885 |
| Champlain College | 49 | $35,860 | $58,386 |
| Bennington College | 26 | $30,947 | $38,289 |
Who Thrives Here
Saint Michael's admits 84.5% of applicants. SAT mid-ranges are 550-620 Math and 570-660 Reading; ACT composite 26-31. Enrollment is 1,092 — a small Catholic liberal arts college in Colchester, Vermont. The Pell grant rate of 23.7% reflects a mainly middle- and upper-income student body. Saint Michael's is a Edmundite Catholic institution emphasizing service and community. The small campus environment, Vermont location, and faith-connected culture attract students seeking a close-knit residential experience. Students in the sciences or social sciences should carefully examine the D-grade ROI programs before committing to the $51,450 sticker price.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Saint Michael's College offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $25,239 per year leads to $100,956 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $61,317 a decade out. The payback period of 9.2 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include a 72.8% graduation rate, high loan repayment success. However, the data also shows high debt relative to what graduates earn.
Median debt of $26,922 against $61,317 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.