Students at Champlain College achieve above-average earnings that reflect the institution's career-focused approach and strong industry connections in technology and business fields.
Low-income students particularly benefit, earning more than similar students at most other institutions while maintaining excellent loan repayment records.
Champlain College is a distinctive private institution in Burlington, Vermont, that focuses on career-ready education in technology, business, and creative fields. While affordability ranks in the bottom tier nationally due to higher private college costs, the college delivers above-average earnings outcomes that help justify the investment for many families. Graduates earn a median of $58,386 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 69th percentile nationally for long-term financial returns.
The college serves a moderately selective student population, with about 23% of students receiving Pell Grants and 32% being first-generation college students. As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Champlain provides strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access is more limited than at typical public universities. The college's focused program portfolio emphasizes practical skills and industry partnerships, particularly in computer science, business administration, and digital media fields.
For students seeking a small, career-oriented college experience with strong employer connections, Champlain offers a compelling alternative to larger universities. The Vermont location provides a close-knit campus environment, while the college's emphasis on internships and real-world experience helps graduates transition effectively into their chosen careers.
Champlain College's program portfolio reflects its mission as a career-focused institution, with particular strength in technology and business fields that connect directly to employer needs. Computer Science, though enrolling only 34 students, produces the highest median earnings at $59,417, demonstrating the value of specialized technical education in a small-cohort environment. The Computer Support Specialist program represents the college's sweet spot, combining substantial enrollment of 136 students with strong earnings of $55,964, creating meaningful aggregate economic impact.
Business Administration and Management serves as the college's largest program with 107 graduates earning median salaries of $41,087, providing broad career flexibility and foundational skills valued across industries. Creative programs like Commercial Photography, while showing lower median earnings around $38,289, still offer viable career paths for students passionate about visual media and represent the college's commitment to serving diverse interests within its specialized focus.
The college's approach emphasizes depth over breadth, with concentrated programs that benefit from strong industry partnerships and hands-on learning experiences. This focused strategy allows for personalized attention and specialized resources that help graduates compete effectively in their chosen fields, whether in high-tech careers or creative industries.
Champlain College graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that reflect the institution's focus on career-ready programs. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,386, placing the college above average nationally for earnings outcomes. The college's strength lies in its specialized programs that connect directly to growing industries, particularly in technology and business sectors.
Computer Science stands out as the highest-earning major, with graduates earning around $59,417 early in their careers from a focused cohort of 34 students. Computer Support Specialist programs, the college's largest high-return program with 136 graduates, produce median earnings of $55,964 and represent the strongest combination of scale and financial outcomes. Business Administration and Management, the most popular major with 107 graduates, shows more moderate earnings at $41,087 but provides broad career flexibility. Creative fields like Commercial Photography, while offering lower median earnings around $38,289, still provide viable career paths for students passionate about visual arts and media.
The college's career-focused approach and strong industry partnerships help explain why graduates perform well in the job market despite the institution's smaller size. Vermont's location provides access to both regional employers and remote work opportunities, particularly valuable for technology graduates who can leverage the state's quality of life while accessing national job markets.
Champlain College presents significant affordability challenges typical of private institutions, ranking in the bottom 7% nationally for affordability. Low-income students face annual net costs of $26,378, while middle-income families pay around $33,025, and high-income families see costs reach $40,631. These price points reflect the premium associated with small class sizes, specialized programs, and extensive career services that characterize the college experience.
Debt levels require careful consideration for most families. Typical graduates leave with $26,814 in federal student loan debt, while families often supplement with Parent PLUS loans averaging $25,836. The combination means many students and families are borrowing substantial amounts to finance their education. However, the college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully once they enter the workforce.
The key affordability question for families is whether the career outcomes and specialized education justify the higher costs. For students entering high-demand fields like computer science or those who benefit significantly from small class sizes and personalized attention, the investment often pays off through stronger job placement and career advancement. Families should carefully evaluate their financial capacity and the student's career goals when considering Champlain's value proposition.
Champlain College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
