Information Science/Studies at Saint Michael's College

In Vermont, Information Science programs can launch graduates into nearly six-figure salaries—Norwich University reports median first-year earnings of $98,551. Saint Michael's estimated outcomes tell a different story. Based on national benchmarks for similar programs, graduates here appear to earn around $58,651 in their first year, roughly 40% less than what Vermont's tech market typically pays Information Science majors. With just two schools offering this degree in-state, that gap deserves attention.

The estimated debt load of $26,694 seems manageable in isolation—it's close to the national median and produces a reasonable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio. But context matters: you're potentially paying similar debt for significantly lower returns compared to the program up the road. Peer programs nationally suggest this earning level, but Vermont's small, tight-knit tech ecosystem typically rewards Information Science graduates more generously than the national average.

This pattern raises questions about whether Saint Michael's program connects students to Vermont's better-paying tech opportunities, or whether graduates end up in entry-level roles that don't fully leverage an Information Science degree. Before committing, ask the school directly about graduate placement: where do their Information Science majors actually work, and what are they earning? The difference between $58,000 and $98,000 in year one compounds significantly over a career.