Champlain College
Champlain College is a private nonprofit university in Burlington, VT ranked #1797 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 2,870 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 66.7%. Students most often pursue Security Science and Technology and Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 76.7% first-year retention, and 63.0% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $35,000, about $18,002 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -65.1%, roughly 150.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $48,844. That's about $5,156 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Champlain College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Champlain College graduates 63.0% of students within six years and keeps 76.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Champlain College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $45,550 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,900 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,484 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $63,000 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 23.1% of Champlain College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $26,378 to $40,631 depending on family income. Use Champlain College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $35,867/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $40,631/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $48,844
- 10-Year Median Earnings $48,844
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 73.9%
- Employment Rate 27.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Champlain College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Champlain College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Champlain College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Champlain College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Champlain College graduates earn $48,844 median, the -65.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 605-680
- SAT Math 560-660
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 27-31
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,870
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 76.7%
- Graduation Rate 63.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Champlain College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Champlain College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 66.7%, Champlain College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 66.7% acceptance rate, Champlain College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1165 and 1340 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Champlain College undergraduates. Computer/Information Technology Administration and, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Security Science and Technology draw the most students.
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and 16.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 12.6%
- Security Science and Technology 11.2%
- Design and Applied Arts 8.0%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 6.0%
- Visual and Performing Arts, General 4.7%
See more majors
- Computer Software and Media Applications 4.5%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Security Science and Technology $89,716
- 2. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $87,419
- 3. Computer Software and Media Applications $78,604
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $73,588
- 5. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $71,618
- 6. Marketing $65,282
- 7. Accounting and Related Services $65,238
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $61,658
- 9. Health and Medical Administrative Services $61,265
- 10. Security Science and Technology $61,225
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Security Science and Technology (Master's Degree) $110,892
- 2. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $106,285
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $103,278
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $88,160
- 5. Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degree) $76,423
- 6. Human Resources Management and Services (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $76,041
- 7. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $74,635
- 8. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $63,161
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $47,249
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Security Science and Technology grads earn $89,716—47% more than Security Science and Technology ($61,225). Graduate: Security Science and Technology programs lead with $110,892 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Champlain College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 68 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 51 graduates)
- Visual and Performing Arts, General (Bachelor's Degree, 40 graduates)
- Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 34 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (20 programs)â–¼
- Design and Applied Arts
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Computer Science
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Communication and Media Studies
- Social Work
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- International Business
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Legal Support Services
- Applied Mathematics
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,870
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 61.7%
- Female Students 38.3%
- Caucasian 69.4%
- Asian 4.1%
- Hispanic 9.7%
- Black 6.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 23.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Champlain College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Champlain College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Champlain College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Champlain College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Men make up 61.7% of undergraduates. About 23.1% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Champlain College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Champlain College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Champlain College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -65.1% ROI. Ranked #1797 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $35,000 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $48,844 median earnings. With 63.0% graduating within six years and 76.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Champlain College's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1797 ranking, Champlain College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $35,000 annually, Champlain College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 76.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $24,500 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -65.1% ROI and $48,844 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $25,000+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Champlain College ranks #1797 of 1966 institutions, with 1589 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 63.0% six-year graduation rate sits 0.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.7% first-year retention is 0.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -65.1% return on investment is 150.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $48,844 run about 12% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $35,000 is roughly $15,090 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 27.4% employment rate within three years sits 40.8 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $35,000 is about $15,090 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 23.1% trails the national share by 10.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Champlain College—a private nonprofit university in Burlington, VT—at C- overall. It stands at #1797 among 1966 schools Category results include Completion (B), Support (B), Career Outcomes (C-), and Affordability (C-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 76.7% retention and 63.0% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -65.1%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $35,000 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $63,000.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $28,000 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 23.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $48,844 six years after enrollment. That sits about 12% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 27.4%.
Plan around an ROI of about -65.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
66.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Champlain College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Burlington, VT 05401
- Website www.champlain.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$25.3M