Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Saint Michael's College

Is a health sciences bachelor's worth $27,000 in debt when peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,000? That 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory—graduates would owe roughly three-quarters of their first-year salary. For context, the University of Vermont's health sciences program reports similar outcomes at $36,441 in first-year earnings with the same median debt, suggesting Saint Michael's estimates align with Vermont's small but established market for these degrees.

The challenge lies in what comes next. Health sciences bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate programs in nursing, physical therapy, or public health rather than terminal credentials. If your child plans to continue their education, that $27,000 becomes the foundation of a larger debt load. If they're entering the workforce directly, comparable programs suggest earnings that make the debt serviceable but not comfortable—monthly payments would consume a meaningful chunk of early-career income.

The real question is whether Saint Michael's provides value beyond what UVM offers at similar cost. With a 92% admission rate and relatively small cohort (data too limited to report), you're paying private college prices for outcomes that mirror the state's public flagship. Unless the smaller environment or specific program features justify the premium, Vermont's health sciences market doesn't reward the Saint Michael's name with measurably better starting positions.