At $35,000/yr net price, Champlain College graduates earn $58,386/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,386/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $35,000 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $140,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,386/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,386/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,814 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,378/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,755/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,025/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,867/yr |
| $110,001+ | $40,631/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Science and Technology. | Master | $111,435 | $35,971 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,635 | $31,090 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,417 | $27,000 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Bachelor | $59,350 | $27,000 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $55,964 | $36,271 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $27,000 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $54,713 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,823 | $26,917 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,432 |
The Risk Factor
63.0% of students at Champlain College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Champlain College delivers mixed financial returns, with your career path making the difference between strong profits and costly disappointment. The $35,000 annual net price creates a steep hill to climb for many graduates.
Your major choice determines everything here. Cybersecurity programs produce graduates earning over $110,000 within ten years, making the investment worthwhile despite above-average debt loads. Business administration graduates also see solid returns at $73,635 annually. Computer science provides decent outcomes at $59,417, though not strong for the field.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its 63% graduation rate. More than one in three students leave without a degree, carrying debt but no credential. The 77% retention rate signals students struggle early, often transferring or dropping out after freshman year.
Champlain works financially if you target high-earning majors and complete your degree. The cybersecurity focus gives you access to Vermont's growing tech sector and remote opportunities with major firms. However, you pay private school prices for programs that state universities often offer at half the cost.
Financial aid covers relatively few students at 23%, limiting affordability for middle-class families. Merit scholarships exist but the school doesn't offer the generous aid packages found at better-endowed institutions.
Consider Champlain if cybersecurity or business administration interests you and you have strong academic habits that make graduation likely. Look elsewhere if you're undecided about your major, struggle academically, or need substantial financial aid to make college affordable. The investment only pays off when everything goes according to plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Champlain College worth the high tuition cost?
Champlain College's $35,000 annual net price is steep for graduates earning $58,386 after 10 years. The ROI makes sense mainly if you're pursuing cybersecurity or business programs, which pay significantly more than the school average.
What programs at Champlain College have the best return on investment?
Security Science and Technology graduates earn $111,435 annually, making it Champlain's clear winner for ROI. Business Administration follows at $73,635, while other programs like Computer Science and Education hover closer to $55,000-59,000.
How much debt do Champlain College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $26,814, which is manageable if you land a high-paying cybersecurity job but risky for lower-earning programs. With a 63% graduation rate, many students don't finish to see any return.
Does Champlain College provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The $35,000 net price suggests limited financial aid effectiveness at bringing costs down to affordable levels. Students should have a clear career plan in high-paying fields before taking on this debt load.