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55.7%Acceptance
$45,550Tuition
2,870Students
63%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$58,386Earnings
#4 in VermontPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Champlain College

Champlain College has built its reputation around preparing students for careers in emerging fields like game design, cybersecurity, and digital filmmaking. The college enrolls 2,870 students in Burlington, Vermont, where hands-on learning and industry connections drive every program. With an acceptance rate of 55.68%, Champlain attracts students serious about career-focused education rather than traditional liberal arts. The college emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience over theory.

Students pay an average net price of $35,000 after financial aid, though this varies by family income. Graduates earn a median salary of $58,386 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,814 manageable for most. The monthly loan payment of $284 represents a reasonable investment given the strong employment rate of 94.4%. Champlain's career focus translates into solid financial outcomes for graduates.

The student body skews heavily male at 61.67%, reflecting the tech-heavy program offerings. Only 23% of students come from Vermont, drawing talent nationally to Burlington's small city setting. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in specialized programs. With a 63% six-year graduation rate, Champlain works best for motivated students who know what career path they want to pursue.

Academics & Faculty

Champlain College built its reputation as a career-focused institution specializing in digital media, cybersecurity, and business programs. The school's game design program ranks among the top in the nation, while its cybersecurity curriculum draws from Burlington's growing tech scene. Students work directly with industry professionals through the college's extensive internship network. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring relationships that help explain the school's strong job placement record. However, the 63% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their programs. Digital filmmaking and graphic design students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that mirror professional studios.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
63.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
63.0%
Retention Rate
76.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$58,386
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Security Science and Technology. Master $111,435
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $73,635
Computer Science. Bachelor $59,417
Security Science and Technology. Bachelor $59,350
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Bachelor $55,964
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $55,964
Computer Software and Media Applications. Bachelor $55,512
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. Master $54,713
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $48,823
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $48,432

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

Burlington sits on Lake Champlain with the Adirondack Mountains visible across the water. You'll need a serious winter coat since snow covers campus from December through March. The city offers craft breweries, local restaurants, and outdoor activities just minutes from Champlain's urban campus. Montreal lies 90 minutes north for weekend trips.

About 49% of students live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit community of 2,870 students. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Weekend activities center around Burlington's Church Street Marketplace and Lake Champlain waterfront. Students ski at nearby resorts in winter and hike or kayak during warmer months. The campus culture emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and co-ops with local tech companies and startups.

The male-heavy student body (62% men) reflects the school's focus on gaming, cybersecurity, and digital media programs. With 77% retention rate, most students stick around to complete their career-focused degrees. Burlington's college town atmosphere keeps social life active despite the small enrollment.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,414 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1878

Campus Safety (2023)

19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 3 3 0 0
Dating Violence 2 2 0 0
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 3
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0
Rape 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
10°–27°F
July Avg
60°–80°F
Annual Precipitation
36.8"
Annual Snowfall
-1,474.2"

Student Demographics

Champlain draws tech-minded students from across the country who want hands-on career training. Three-quarters of students come from out of state, reflecting the college's national reputation for specialized programs like game design and cybersecurity. Men make up 62% of the student body, which aligns with the school's heavy focus on technology and digital media fields. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college attracts middle-class families willing to invest in career-focused education. Students choose Champlain for its industry connections and practical approach to learning.
Men
61.7%
Women
38.3%
White
69.4%
Black
6.3%
Hispanic
9.7%
Asian
4.1%
In-State Students
23.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
23.1%

Location

Champlain College sits in Burlington, Vermont, a active college town of about 45,000 people on the shores of Lake Champlain. The campus is roughly 95 miles south of Montreal and 200 miles northwest of Boston. Burlington serves as Vermont's largest city and cultural center, surrounded by the Green Mountains and offering year-round outdoor recreation. The city hosts multiple colleges, creating a energetic student atmosphere with local businesses, restaurants, and music venues catering to young adults. With 77% of students coming from out of state, the college draws heavily from New England and beyond. Students considering colleges in Vermont may also compare Champlain College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Burlington, Vermont 05401
Champlain college campus
Champlain college campus
Champlain College campus
Champlain College campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$58,386
Median Earnings (5 years)
$59,133
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$42,200
Loan Repayment Rate
73.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$284/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,814

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Champlain College?

Champlain College accepts 55.68% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1163 and 1348 on the SAT. This career-focused college attracts students interested in specialized programs like game design and cybersecurity.

How much does Champlain College cost after financial aid?

Students at Champlain College pay an average net price of $35,000 after aid, down from the total cost of $63,450. Only 23.14% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting the student body comes primarily from middle and upper-income families. The typical graduate leaves with $26,814 in debt and monthly loan payments of $284.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Champlain College?

Champlain College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,870 total students. This small size allows for hands-on learning in specialized programs like digital filmmaking and cybersecurity. The college emphasizes practical skills and industry connections over traditional liberal arts education.

How much do Champlain College graduates earn?

Champlain College graduates earn a median of $58,386 ten years after graduation, reflecting the school's focus on career preparation. The employment rate reaches 94.4%, demonstrating strong job placement in technology and creative fields. However, the 63% six-year graduation rate indicates some students struggle to complete their programs.

Where is Champlain College located and what is campus life like?

Champlain College sits in Burlington, Vermont, a small city known for its active arts scene and outdoor recreation. The campus houses 1,414 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community. With 61.67% male students, the gender balance reflects the college's emphasis on technology and gaming programs.

What makes Champlain College unique compared to other schools?

Champlain College specializes in modern programs like game design and cybersecurity that many traditional colleges don't offer. Founded in 1878, the school has transformed into a modern career-focused institution with strong industry partnerships. The college's hands-on approach and 76.66% retention rate show students stay engaged with their specialized programs.