Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Saint Michael's College

Saint Michael's graduates in this field earn slightly below Vermont's median for the program ($37,716 vs. $38,828 after four years), landing in the 40th percentile statewide. That's notable in a state where conservation careers are particularly common—and where competitors like Vermont State University and Middlebury College show significantly stronger outcomes. The program does track close to national benchmarks, but Vermont families paying Vermont prices might reasonably expect better than middle-of-the-pack performance.

The debt picture offers some reassurance: $26,980 is manageable relative to first-year earnings, and the 12% salary growth over four years suggests graduates are building viable careers. However, that debt level sits above Vermont's program median of $21,632, meaning students here are borrowing more while earning less than peers at other in-state schools. For a field where passion often drives career choices, that's a meaningful disadvantage.

If your child is committed to conservation work and drawn to Saint Michael's campus culture, this program won't derail their financial future. But Vermont families have stronger options within the state system that deliver better earnings with less debt. Unless there's a compelling non-financial reason to choose Saint Michael's specifically, the numbers suggest looking at those alternatives first.