Biology at Saint Michael's College

Saint Michael's biology graduates start earning above the national median but notably lag behind Vermont's two top programs, despite carrying slightly higher debt loads. At $36,327 in year one, these graduates earn about what the typical Vermont biology major makes, placing them at the 40th percentile statewide—behind Vermont State University ($39,471) and UVM ($36,491). The debt burden is reasonable at $27,000, though modestly above Vermont's state median of $23,917.

The encouraging news is trajectory: earnings jump 42% to $51,536 by year four, suggesting the program opens doors to career progression that may not be immediately obvious in entry-level positions. This growth rate significantly outpaces typical biology degree paths. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 is manageable, meaning graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—a threshold most financial advisors consider comfortable for repayment.

For families comparing Vermont biology programs, this represents a middle-of-the-pack option that delivers solid long-term outcomes despite a slower start. The question is whether the roughly $3,000 earnings gap versus Vermont State University justifies any tuition difference between the schools. If your child has strong enough credentials for admission here (SAT averaging 1241), they'd likely qualify for Vermont's public options too, which might offer faster earnings ramps at potentially lower sticker prices.