Champlain College
The Vibe Check
Champlain College feels like a creative and collaborative startup incubator nestled in a vibrant, progressive city. The campus is intimate and tightly-knit, where project-based learning and hands-on experimentation are woven into the daily student experience. There's a palpable energy of innovation, especially in tech and arts, that encourages students to build, create, and take risks.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Champlain's academic strengths lie in its career-focused, interdisciplinary programs, particularly in game design, computer science, and business. The 'Upside-Down Curriculum' allows students to dive into their major from their first year, taught by faculty who are industry professionals. Research and experiential learning are not just opportunities but core requirements, often taking place in state-of-the-art labs and studios.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Burlington
Burlington offers a quintessential college town experience with a bustling, pedestrian-friendly downtown, a famous waterfront park on Lake Champlain, and a thriving local music and arts scene. Students enjoy exploring the Church Street Marketplace, hiking nearby mountains, and taking advantage of the city's bike-friendly culture and farm-to-table dining.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($58,386):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The Burlington area is generally considered safe, and Champlain's urban campus is situated in a quiet, residential neighborhood. The college has its own campus safety department that provides 24/7 patrols and emergency response services.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong career-oriented programs with an 'upside-down' curriculum that starts major-specific classes in year one.
- ✓ Prime location in Burlington, VT, offering a vibrant arts and tech scene with access to outdoor recreation.
- ✓ High engagement through project-based learning and a close-knit, collaborative student community.
- ✓ Excellent internship and co-op opportunities, particularly in game design, cybersecurity, and business.
Cons
- ✗ The total cost of attendance is high for a private college, requiring careful financial planning.
- ✗ The small, intimate campus size may feel restrictive for students seeking a large university experience.
- ✗ While strong in specific niches, it may have fewer programs in traditional liberal arts or STEM fields compared to larger universities.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Champlain College is nationally renowned for its career-focused education, particularly in the fields of game design, computer science & cybersecurity, and business. It is also recognized for its innovative 'Upside-Down Curriculum,' which allows students to begin taking courses in their major from their very first semester.
Champlain College has an acceptance rate of approximately 67%, making it a moderately selective school. While not as competitive as some elite institutions, successful applicants typically have a solid academic record, with an average SAT score around 1262. The admissions committee also looks for a strong fit between the student's interests and the college's specialized programs.
Campus life at Champlain is intimate and community-oriented, with a total enrollment of just 2,870 students. The urban setting in Burlington provides easy access to city amenities, while the campus itself fosters a creative and collaborative atmosphere with numerous clubs, events, and a focus on hands-on projects. Students are actively engaged in both their studies and the vibrant local culture.
The value of a Champlain degree depends heavily on the student's major and career goals. For students pursuing high-demand fields like game design or cybersecurity, the specialized, hands-on training and strong industry connections can provide an excellent return on investment (ROI). With a 10-year median earnings of $58,386, graduates can see a solid financial payoff, but prospective students should maximize scholarships and aid to manage the cost.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 3,938
- In-State Tuition $45,550
- Zip Code 05401
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $35,000 and a 10-year median earnings of $58,386, the financial return is moderate. The investment may be justified by the college's strong career services and specialized programs in high-demand fields like tech and business, which can lead to solid starting salaries. However, prospective students should carefully consider financial aid packages to manage the sticker price.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.