Analysis
With peer education programs in Vermont reporting significantly higher first-year earnings—around $56,400 versus the estimated $38,660 here—Saint Michael's estimated outcomes deserve a hard look. That $18,000 gap represents real money, especially when you're carrying $27,000 in debt. While these figures are derived from comparable bachelor's programs nationally rather than Saint Michael's actual graduates, the disparity with Vermont's teaching market is striking enough to warrant concern.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 seems manageable on paper, but context matters. Vermont's teacher salaries typically run higher than the national median that informs this estimate, which raises questions about why similar programs in the state produce markedly different outcomes. It's possible Saint Michael's graduates work in different school districts, pursue different specializations, or face different employment patterns—but without actual data, you're essentially betting on explanations that may or may not pan out.
Before committing to this program, demand specifics from the admissions office: where do their education graduates actually work, what are their real starting salaries, and why might their outcomes differ from the state pattern? If they can't provide concrete placement data, you're making a $27,000 decision based on national averages that don't align with Vermont's education market.
Where Saint Michael's College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Vermont
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Vermont (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,040 | $38,660* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $19,568 | $56,397* | $40,429 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $38,660* | — | $26,522* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Saint Michael's College, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 66 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.