History at Saint Michael's College

A $25,946 estimated debt load positions this bachelor's degree right at the national median for history programs, though it exceeds Vermont's typical borrowing level. What matters more is the return: Saint Michael's history graduates appear to earn around $35,000 in their first year—a figure drawn from Vermont's four comparable programs—which puts them ahead of the national history median of $31,220. By year four, earnings reach $40,803, suggesting steady but modest progression. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 indicates that first-year salary should cover annual loan payments, though not comfortably.

Vermont's small sample of history programs shows significant variation, from Vermont State's $29,907 to Norwich's $42,940 for first-year graduates. Saint Michael's estimated position in the middle third of this range reflects reasonable outcomes for a liberal arts history degree, though families should recognize these figures come from peer institutions rather than tracked Saint Michael's graduates. The college's 92% admission rate and modest Pell enrollment (18%) suggest a primarily middle-class student body for whom $26,000 in debt represents a manageable but real financial commitment.

The practical takeaway: if your student is passionate about history and can keep borrowing near this $26,000 estimate, the financial profile looks workable but not generous. However, given that earnings data is interpolated from similar programs, request job placement specifics and alumni outcomes directly from Saint Michael's before committing.