Colchester, VTprivate nonprofitwww.smcvt.edu/
Saint Michael's College is a small, fully residential liberal arts college in Vermont with a tight-knit community and a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching. Known for its high acceptance rates (85%) and robust graduation rates (79% within 5 years), it offers a flexible academic structure that encourages double majors and interdisciplinary study. The college's 480-acre campus fosters a vibrant student life with over 30 organizations, and its graduates often pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce with solid early-career earnings.
Saint Michael's College is notably accessible, with an 85% acceptance rate (higher than the national average of 57%) and an early Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of 93.8%. The average admitted student has a GPA of 3.27, an SAT score of 1180, or an ACT score of 28. In the most recent cycle, 2,788 students applied, with 2,356 accepted and 1,120 enrolling. The application fee is $45, and the college emphasizes Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone. over strict cutoffs.
A classic liberal arts college, Saint Michael's offers 46 majors, with the most popular being Business Administration, Psychology, and Biology. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, ensuring close mentorship. Recent academic updates include interdisciplinary programs like Analytics, Computing, and Data Science, blending tech with liberal arts. The flexible core curriculum encourages double majors or multiple minors, and the college reports that 46% of graduates plan to attend graduate school—with a 75% medical school acceptance rate.
With 1,100 undergraduates, Saint Michael's is a fully residential campus—94% of students live on-site all four years. The 480-acre campus hosts 30+ student organizations, from performances to outdoor recreation. The college prides itself on a close-knit community, where academic buildings, dorms, and dining are all within walking distance. Student Life offices are highly accessible, operating weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Saint Michael's boasts a 79% five-year graduation rate (well above the national average of 66%). Early-career graduates earn $36,427 on average, rising to $41,000 within five years. Notably, 75% of pre-med students gain medical school acceptance, and nearly half pursue graduate degrees. The six-year completion rate is 73%, with 67% graduating on time.
The comprehensive fee (tuition, room, and board) is $30,100, though the Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid averages $30,806. The college offers generous aid packages averaging $34,879, including $37,718 in institutional grants, $7,534 in federal aid, and $6,700 in state grants. Pell Grant recipients typically get $5,636. A net price calculator helps families estimate costs.
Saint Michael's combines Vermont's outdoor appeal with a supportive, small-college vibe. Its high graduation rates and strong graduate school placement reflect rigorous academics, while the fully residential model fosters lifelong connections. The college adapts to modern demands—like its new Data Science program—without sacrificing liberal arts depth. For students seeking a personalized education with easy access to Burlington and the Green Mountains, it’s a compelling choice.