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U.S. News #116 Private nonprofit, 4-year

Saint Michael’s College

Colchester, Vermont · www.smcvt.edu

中文

U.S. News Liberal Arts 2027

#116

Down 1 from 2026

Acceptance rate

84.5%

2025

Peer median 69.4%

Tuition per year

$51,450

$68,520 with room and board

Peer median $33,770

Undergraduates

1,120

Student-faculty ratio 10:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

71.2%

4-year; 6-year rate 74.5%

Peer median 45.1%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Saint Michael's College, located in Colchester, Vermont, is a private liberal arts college that emphasizes a well-rounded education in a nurturing environment. Founded in 1904, the college is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, and its mission is rooted in the values of service, community, and respect for all individuals. The college's motto, "Pro Christo et Patria," translates to "For Christ and Country," reflecting its commitment to serving both faith and community. The picturesque campus, set against the backdrop of the Green Mountains, provides students with an inspiring environment that fosters academic and personal growth.

Saint Michael's College offers a diverse array of undergraduate programs, with notable strengths in the fields of education, business, and the sciences. The college prides itself on its dedicated faculty, who are not only experts in their fields but also deeply committed to student success. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from personalized attention and mentorship, which enhances their learning experience. The college also encourages a vibrant campus life, featuring various student organizations, athletic programs, and cultural activities. This engagement helps cultivate a strong sense of community among students, making Saint Michael's College a place where lifelong friendships are formed and meaningful experiences are created.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Saint Michael's College

Saint Michael's College has shown notable trends in several key metrics over the years, particularly in tuition costs, student retention rates, and graduation rates. The cost of attendance has steadily increased, with undergraduate tuition rising from $39,015 in 2014 to $50,040 in 2024, reflecting a significant financial burden on students and their families. This increase, coupled with rising room and board fees, may impact enrollment figures, as more students and families weigh the cost against potential returns on investment in education.

In terms of student retention, there has been a concerning decline. The retention rate for undergraduate students fell from approximately 90% in 2013 to about 79% in 2023. This downward trend suggests that the college may need to enhance its support services to improve student satisfaction and prevent dropouts, especially as financial pressures mount.

On a more positive note, graduation rates have shown some resilience. The on-time graduation rate hovered around 77% in recent years, indicating that a majority of students are still able to complete their degrees within the expected timeframe despite the challenges they face. However, the 150% graduation rate has fluctuated, which may indicate issues with student support and guidance throughout their academic journey.

Furthermore, the gender ratio among undergraduates has remained relatively balanced, with a slight edge for female students. This balance is crucial as it fosters a diverse learning environment, which is essential for enriching the educational experience.

Overall, while Saint Michael's College maintains a commendable graduation rate, the rising tuition coupled with declining retention rates raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the institution's enrollment and student success. Addressing these issues will be critical for the college to enhance its reputation and attract prospective students in the coming years.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a midsize city
Nearest major city
Albany, about 130 mi
Nearest international airport
Albany International Airport (ALB), about 120 mi
Colchester, Vermont
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
President
Richard Plumb, Ph.D. (President)
Phone
8026542000
City
Colchester, Vermont
Address
One Winooski Park, Colchester, VT 05439

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
79.5%
Women
88.9%

In 2020: men 80.6%, women 85.3%.

U.S. News Liberal Arts Colleges · last 10 years
#113 #116 #119 #122 2024: #116 2025: #122 #122 2026: #115 #115 2027: #116 #116 20242027

Best #115, lowest #122, latest #116 over the last ten years.

Data insights

Trends in Admissions at Saint Michael's College

The admission statistics at Saint Michael's College reveal notable trends over the years. From 2009 to 2023, we observe fluctuations in both male and female acceptance rates, with male applicants having a higher acceptance rate compared to their female counterparts in most years. For instance, the male acceptance rate peaked at approximately 81.5% in 2018, while the female acceptance rate reached its highest at around 88.5% in the same year, indicating a consistent pattern of higher female acceptance.
The total enrollment numbers have shown a gradual decline, dropping from 551 in 2009 to a low of 258 by 2023. This decline in enrollment could suggest changing interests among prospective students or increased competition from other institutions. It is worth noting that the number of denied applications has fluctuated significantly, peaking at over 1,100 denials in some years, which raises questions about the college's recruitment strategies and how they align with evolving student demographics.
Furthermore, the college's ranking has also come into focus, as it dropped to 116th in 2024. This shift may reflect broader trends in higher education where many institutions face challenges in maintaining their prestige amid increased scrutiny over their admission practices and outcomes. In conclusion, Saint Michael's College must reassess its strategic approach to admissions and enrollment in light of these trends, ensuring they attract and retain a diverse student body while enhancing their institutional ranking.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 9% submitted SAT, 4% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total1120–1280Peer median 1220
ACT composite26–31
SAT Reading
570–660
600700800
SAT Math
550–620
600700800
ACT composite
26–31
253036

Data insights

Trends in Admission Test Scores at Saint Michael's College

The admission test score data from Saint Michael's College reveals significant trends over the years. In the early years, particularly from 2007 to 2011, the number of students submitting SAT scores was high, with submission rates reaching upwards of 96-99%. The SAT reading and math scores showed a relatively consistent range, demonstrating a stable applicant pool with competitive scores.

However, a noticeable shift occurred around 2012, where the number of students submitting SAT scores dropped significantly, with only 76% of admitted students providing their scores. This trend continued, with only 63% submission rates from 2014 to 2022. This decline in submission rates may indicate a strategic shift among prospective students towards test-optional policies, which have become increasingly popular across many colleges and universities in recent years.

Interestingly, the scores in 2023 reflect a resurgence in both the number of submissions and the quality of scores, with a higher range in SAT reading and math scores compared to previous years. This could suggest that the institution is regaining interest among high-achieving students or adapting its admission strategies to attract a more competitive applicant pool.

Overall, the data illustrates an evolving landscape in college admissions, highlighting the impact of national trends on local institutions. As colleges re-evaluate their admission criteria in light of changing societal attitudes towards standardized testing, it will be crucial to monitor how these shifts influence both the quality and diversity of incoming classes.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 8 in 10

2,788 applicants in 2025, 84.5% admitted

2,356 admitted 432 not admitted Yield 11.8%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's28713 international (4.5%)
Master's544 international (7.4%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
54
Psychology, General
30
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
16
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
15
Environmental Studies
13
Mass Communication/Media Studies
13
Sociology and Anthropology
12
Environmental Science
9
Political Science and Government, General
9
Education, General
9

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Education, General · Master's36 (0% international)
  • Clinical Psychology · Master's11 (0% international)
  • Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor · Master's5 (80% international)
  • Multicultural Education · Master's1 (0% international)
  • Public Health, Other · Master's1 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Saint Michael's College

The graduation data from Saint Michael's College reveals notable trends across various fields of study for 2023. Business Administration and Management emerges as the most popular program, with 54 graduates, accounting for approximately 27% of the total bachelor’s degrees awarded. This aligns with national trends indicating a growing demand for business-related skills in the workforce, particularly in areas such as finance and management.

Psychology follows closely, with 49 graduates, representing about 24% of the bachelor’s degree recipients. The increasing interest in mental health and well-being has likely spurred this growth, especially as society continues to prioritize psychological services in response to post-pandemic challenges.

In terms of advanced degrees, Education stands out with 32 master's graduates, which signifies a strong commitment to developing educational professionals. The focus on skilled educators is particularly relevant in today’s educational landscape, which demands innovative teaching strategies and adaptability.

Moreover, the presence of international students is noteworthy, especially in the bachelor’s degree programs where five international students graduated in Business Administration and one in Psychology. This reflects the college's appeal to a global audience, and emphasizes the importance of diversity in higher education.

Overall, the data highlights a robust performance in business and psychology, with a significant commitment to education, while also illustrating the college's growing international presence. As industries evolve, these trends suggest that Saint Michael's College is strategically positioned to meet the demands of future job markets.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Businesshas 63 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$56,587
Accounting.$71,380
Educationhas 63 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Education, General.$53,420
Multicultural Education.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.$46,876
Secondary Education and Teaching.$46,876
Art Teacher Education.-
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor.-
Psychology has 41 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$38,290
Clinical Psychology.-
Social sciencehas 38 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Criminology.-
Economics, General.-
International Relations and Affairs.-
Political Science and Government, General.$38,993
Sociology and Anthropology.-
Health professionshas 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Pre-Pharmacy Studies.-
Public Health, General.-
Public Health, Other.-
Biologyhas 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$48,601
Biochemistry.-
Neuroscience.-
Natural resources has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Environmental Studies.$35,532
Environmental Science.$35,532
Communication has 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mass Communication/Media Studies.$45,189
Visual and Performing artshas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Music History, Literature, and Theory.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.-
Computational and Applied Mathematics.-
Statistics, General.-
History has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
History, General.$43,609
English has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.$43,060
Engineeringhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Engineering, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Information Science/Studies.-
Computer Science.-
Philosophy has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Philosophy.-
Cultural has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other.-
Foreign languages has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
French Language and Literature.-
Physical scienceshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Physics, General.-
Homeland security has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy.-

Students

1,323 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 47:53 · Freshman retention 79.9%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,120)

White
865 · 77.2%
Hispanic
69 · 6.2%
Unknown
51 · 4.6%
International
45 · 4.0%
Black
40 · 3.6%
Two or more races
29 · 2.6%
Asian
18 · 1.6%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
1.7%
18–19
42.1%
20–21
42.5%
22–24
12.0%
25 and over
1.7%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.5%
22–24
17.7%
25–29
19.2%
30–34
13.8%
35 and over
47.8%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Saint Michael's College for 2023

In 2023, Saint Michael's College showcases a diverse student body across various levels of study. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 258, with a gender distribution that leans slightly towards females, who make up 51.2% of this group. This trend continues for undergraduate seniors, who total 918, with 53.4% being female. The representation of male students is also notable but remains lower than that of their female counterparts.

Interestingly, the data for transfer students reveals a smaller cohort of just 24 students, consisting of 54.2% females. This suggests a potential area for improvement in attracting male transfer students. The graduate student population, consisting of 190 individuals, exhibits a striking gender imbalance, with only 27.9% being male. This could reflect broader trends in higher education where women are increasingly enrolling in graduate programs, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by males.

When examining racial and ethnic diversity, the data indicates that while the majority of students are white, there is a presence of other ethnic groups, including Asian, Latino, and African American students. The college may want to consider initiatives that further enhance diversity and inclusiveness, particularly in the graduate programs where representation appears to be quite limited.

Overall, Saint Michael's College is making strides in gender representation among undergraduates, but there remains a need to address the gender gap within graduate studies, as well as to bolster the diversity of its student body. This analysis can serve as a foundation for future strategic planning to foster an even more inclusive and equitable educational environment.

Analysis of Age Distribution at Saint Michael's College

The age demographic data from Saint Michael's College reveals intriguing insights into the student population. A significant majority of the undergraduate students are concentrated in the 18-21 age range, with 195 male and 247 female students aged 18-19, and 270 male and 340 female students aged 20-21. This indicates that the college predominantly attracts traditional-age students, which is consistent with many undergraduate institutions across the United States.

As we move to the 22-24 age category, there is a notable decline in undergraduate male enrollment, with only 95 male students compared to the earlier age groups. Interestingly, the female undergraduate population in this bracket also decreases, albeit less sharply. This trend may reflect the challenges young adults face in transitioning from college to the workforce or pursuing further education.

The older age groups, specifically those above 25, show a different demographic pattern, with a small number of students. The presence of 14 male and 21 female graduate students aged 25-29 suggests that the college has a modest allure for non-traditional students who may be returning to education to enhance their careers or shift fields.

Overall, the data highlights a clear trend towards a younger student body at Saint Michael's College, which aligns with broader educational trends where institutions often cater to traditional-age students. However, the presence of older students in graduate programs underscores the importance of lifelong learning and the college's role in providing educational opportunities for individuals at various stages of life.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates4.0%

45 in 2025 · 5.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 5.1%2017: 5.0%2018: 4.8%2019: 4.3%2020: 3.9%2021: 3.6%2022: 3.8%2023: 4.4%2024: 3.9%2025: 4.0%
2016Peer median 3.6%2025
Graduate students3.0%

6 in 2025 · 3.5% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 3.5%2017: 3.1%2018: 4.6%2019: 6.6%2020: 3.8%2021: 5.9%2022: 5.9%2023: 3.7%2024: 4.2%2025: 3.0%
2016Peer median 1.0%2025

Data insights

Declining International Student Enrollment at Saint Michael's College

The data from Saint Michael's College reveals a concerning trend in the enrollment of international students over the past two decades. In 2004, the undergraduate international student population was at 5.07%, which, while modest, reflects a more diverse academic environment. However, this percentage has steadily declined, with the most recent data from 2023 showing a drop to 4.38%. This downward trajectory is notable, particularly as many colleges and universities across the U.S. have worked to attract international talent to enrich their campuses and foster global perspectives.

The graduate programs have also experienced fluctuations. In 2004, the percentage of international students was 7.47%, but it has decreased to just 3.68% in 2023. This significant reduction raises questions about the factors influencing students' decisions to study at Saint Michael's College. Possible reasons could include increased competition from other institutions, changes in visa policies, or shifts in global educational trends.

Given the current global climate, where international collaboration and understanding are more important than ever, the declining numbers at Saint Michael's College highlight a critical area for improvement. Addressing this issue could involve enhancing recruitment efforts, improving support systems for international students, and creating partnerships with institutions abroad. By revitalizing its international student body, Saint Michael's College could not only enrich its academic environment but also strengthen its global connections in an increasingly interconnected world.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$68,520

Undergraduate tuition
$51,450
Room and board
$17,070
Graduate tuition
$13,400
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 26% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 56%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$64.5M

Tuition and fees
$29.5M45.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$11.2M17.4%
Investment return
$10.9M17.0%
Gifts and private grants
$8.7M13.6%
Government grants and contracts
$3.1M4.8%
Other
$1.1M1.6%

Expenses$69.2M

Instruction
$16.5M23.9%
Student services
$16.4M23.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$15.4M22.3%
Institutional support
$9.9M14.4%
Academic support
$8.9M12.8%
Public service
$1.5M2.2%
Research
$564K0.8%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$83,987peers $65,931
Professor
$100,987peers $77,501
Associate professor
$81,553peers $68,234
Assistant professor
$73,968peers $61,725
Instructor
$73,038peers $53,914

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Northeast 10 Conference

Northeast 10 Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Soccer4337
Lacrosse4925
Ice Hockey2926
Skiing2224
Swimming2422
Baseball43-
Basketball1615
Cross Country1114
Field Hockey-24
Tennis1014
Softball-21
Volleyball-15
2024
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Soccer4234
Lacrosse5025
Ice Hockey2822
Swimming2524
Skiing2321
Baseball39-
Basketball1515
Cross Country1117
Field Hockey-22
Tennis1110
Softball-20
Volleyball-14
Golf10-
2023
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Soccer3537
Lacrosse4227
Ice Hockey2821
Swimming2119
Skiing1819
Baseball32-
Basketball1413
Tennis1013
Cross Country1013
Field Hockey-22
Softball-19
Volleyball-15
Golf6-

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable colleges and universities near Saint Michael's College:

  1. University of Vermont - Ranked 133 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its vibrant campus life and focus on sustainability.

  2. Middlebury College - This highly prestigious liberal arts college is ranked 11th. Middlebury is renowned for its strong programs in international studies and languages.

  3. Dartmouth College - An Ivy League institution ranked 18th, Dartmouth offers a rigorous academic environment with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education.

  4. Williams College - Ranked 1st among liberal arts colleges, Williams is celebrated for its small class sizes and exceptional faculty-student interaction.

  5. Amherst College - Ranked 2nd, Amherst is known for its open curriculum and diverse student body, fostering an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment.

  6. Hamilton College - With a ranking of 16, Hamilton is noted for its flexible curriculum and strong emphasis on writing and critical thinking skills.

These institutions are all recognized for their academic excellence and provide a range of opportunities for students in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
148
Drug referrals
74
Rape
11
Liquor arrests
11
Motor vehicle theft
9
Residence hall fires
9

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Trends at Saint Michael's College: A Positive Decline

The crime statistics at Saint Michael's College reveal a commendable trend of decreasing crime rates over the past decade. Starting from a high of 66.06 incidents per 1,000 students in 2013, the college has seen a significant decline, reaching a low of 10.44 incidents per 1,000 students in 2021. This gradual reduction in crime is a promising sign, indicating that the college community is becoming safer and that effective measures may be in place to address misconduct.

In particular, the data shows a notable drop in arrests related to weapons and alcohol offenses, which are often prevalent on college campuses. For instance, in 2017, the rate of weapon-related arrests significantly decreased to 17.70 per 1,000 students, a stark contrast to the higher rates observed in previous years. This downward trend continued into 2020, with overall crime rates dropping to 15.25 incidents per 1,000 students.

Moreover, the year 2021 marked an all-time low in crime rates, but there was a slight uptick in 2022, where the rate rose to 36.24 incidents per 1,000 students. This fluctuation suggests that while progress has been made, the college must remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining safety and community awareness.

As colleges across the nation grapple with rising crime rates and the challenges posed by social issues, Saint Michael's College serves as a positive example of how focused efforts and community engagement can lead to a safer environment for students. Continued analysis and responsive strategies will be essential to sustain this positive trend in the years to come.

For further information on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Saint Michael’s College include Patrick Leahy (Longtime US Senator from Vermont), Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) and Loung Ung (Cambodian-American author and human rights activist).

More alumni (12, by field)

Politics and law

Arts and media

  • Tom Caron 1963–

    NESN sportscaster and anchor

Sports

  • Tricia Byrnes 1974–

    Snowboarder with 15 World Cup halfpipe wins

    Bachelor of Arts

  • Jean Dubuc 1888–1958

    Baseball pitcher, manager and coach

    Also attended: University of Notre Dame

  • Patrick Gardner 1999–

    American-Egyptian professional basketball player

    Also attended: Marist University, Nassau Community College

  • Matt Bonds 1995–

    Basketball player

Other fields

  • Moses Anderson 1928–2013

    Auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.