Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Saint Michael's College

The estimated $25,489 in debt for Saint Michael's biochemistry program sits above both the state median ($17,842) and the national figure ($23,000) for this field—a pattern worth noting at a school with a 92% admission rate. Meanwhile, projected first-year earnings around $38,000 track closely with national benchmarks but fall short of Vermont's median of $40,411 and programs like Middlebury's $44,000.

The 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment in theory, but biochemistry graduates often pursue additional education before their earning potential fully materializes. If your student plans on medical school, graduate programs, or research positions, those early years with modest earnings and accumulating interest matter. Similar programs across the country show this field rewards advanced degrees more than bachelor's-level entry points.

Saint Michael's accessibility (that 92% admission rate) makes it attainable for students who might struggle to enter more selective Vermont programs. But without actual outcome data for this specific cohort, you're operating on national averages that may not capture what Saint Michael's network and location deliver. Before committing, ask the school directly about graduate school placement rates and career outcomes for recent biochemistry majors—those conversations will tell you whether the estimated numbers translate to actual opportunity or if you're paying a premium for uncertain returns.