Political Science and Government at Saint Michael's College

Saint Michael's College political science graduates face a rocky start—earning $34,307 in year one, which falls below both Vermont's median ($39,148) and the national average for this major. Among Vermont's six political science programs, this ranks in just the 40th percentile, trailing Norwich University and Middlebury by significant margins. The $27,000 debt load isn't excessive relative to national norms (5th percentile), but paired with below-average starting salaries, it creates a challenging first few years.

The story improves dramatically over time, though interpreting it requires caution. Earnings jump 63% to $55,914 by year four—a trajectory that would outpace most political science programs if it holds. However, this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it vulnerable to outliers. One or two alumni landing high-paying jobs in consulting or law could skew the entire picture upward, while the typical graduate might see more modest gains.

For Vermont families considering in-state options, this program sits in the middle of the pack despite Saint Michael's higher sticker price compared to UVM. If your child is genuinely passionate about political science and plans to pursue graduate school or competitive careers where that four-year earnings bump might materialize, the debt level is manageable. But if they're uncertain about the path forward, the weak initial placement and small sample size should make you think twice—especially when stronger-performing programs exist within the state.