Analysis
First-year earnings around $68,000 place this program squarely at the national median for engineering bachelor's degrees—a solid but unremarkable starting point based on what peer programs typically produce. With an estimated debt load of $26,500, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 suggests manageable repayment, though these figures come from national benchmarks rather than tracked outcomes from Saint Michael's own engineering graduates.
The challenge here is context. Vermont has only three schools offering engineering bachelor's degrees, and none have published graduate outcomes data, making it difficult to gauge how Saint Michael's program stacks up locally. The school's 92% admission rate and mid-range SAT scores (1241) suggest accessibility rather than selectivity, which might appeal to students who need a less competitive entry point into engineering. However, without actual salary data from this specific program, you're betting that Saint Michael's delivers results consistent with the national average rather than falling short of it.
For a field where program quality and recruiting networks matter enormously, the lack of tracked outcomes is worth noting. If your child is considering engineering here, compare carefully against Vermont Technical College or UVM—schools that might offer stronger industry connections or co-op opportunities that lead to verifiable job placements. The estimated numbers suggest a viable path, but you're working with assumptions rather than evidence.
Where Saint Michael's College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,040 | $67,911* | — | $26,459* | — | |
| $64,458 | $109,455* | $114,228 | $14,512* | 0.13 | |
| $66,255 | $92,491* | $103,969 | $22,240* | 0.24 | |
| $68,230 | $86,416* | $87,937 | $14,500* | 0.17 | |
| $15,247 | $82,956* | $104,701 | $15,000* | 0.18 | |
| $41,010 | $78,211* | — | $27,000* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911* | — | $26,056* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.