Champlain College

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Welcoming campus environment
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Champlain College benefits enormously from Burlington's exceptional livability and the college's thoughtful residential experience designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. The college guarantees housing for all four years, with students living in historic Victorian houses converted to residences, traditional residence halls, and apartments that create varied living environments. This residential model fosters tight-knit communities where students build lasting relationships while developing independence. Burlington's walkable downtown is integrated with campus, providing access to restaurants, shops, cultural venues, and outdoor recreation without requiring cars. The Church Street Marketplace, just blocks from campus, offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining. Lake Champlain and surrounding mountains provide opportunities for sailing, kayaking, skiing, hiking, and cycling that students embrace across seasons. Campus activities include clubs and organizations spanning academic interests, creative pursuits, community service, and recreation. While Champlain does not compete in NCAA athletics, club and intramural sports provide physical activity and friendly competition. The college's creative programs generate ongoing exhibitions, screenings, performances, and game showcases that populate the cultural calendar. The student body is diverse in interests and backgrounds, united by professional focus and appreciation for Burlington's quality of life. Career services and internship coordination support professional development throughout the college experience.

Location & Surroundings

Burlington, Vermont provides an ideal setting for Champlain College as one of America's most desirable small cities, consistently ranked among the best places to live, work, and play. With a population of approximately 45,000 in the city proper and 225,000 in the metropolitan area, Burlington offers urban amenities at a human scale, with walkable neighborhoods, excellent restaurants, vibrant arts and music scenes, and progressive community values. The city's location on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, with the Adirondack Mountains visible across the water and the Green Mountains rising behind, creates spectacular natural beauty in every direction. Outdoor recreation is integral to Burlington life, with skiing at Stowe, Sugarbush, and other resorts within an hour, hiking on the Long Trail and throughout state parks, and water activities on Lake Champlain throughout the warmer months. The Church Street Marketplace, one of the nation's oldest pedestrian shopping districts, anchors a downtown filled with local boutiques, restaurants featuring Vermont farm-to-table cuisine, and entertainment venues. Burlington's compact size means most amenities are accessible by foot or bicycle, with excellent bus service supplementing active transportation. The cost of living is moderate compared to major metropolitan areas, though Vermont's rural character means limited shopping and entertainment options compared to larger cities. Montreal lies just two hours north for international city experiences. Vermont's four distinct seasons bring colorful autumns, snowy winters perfect for skiing, and pleasant springs and summers.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Champlain College's tuition and fees reflect private institution costs, with current annual expenses for tuition, room, and board exceeding $60,000 before financial aid. The college commits substantial resources to financial aid, with the majority of students receiving institutional grants and scholarships that significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Merit scholarships recognize academic achievement and leadership, while need-based aid addresses family financial circumstances. Federal and state grants supplement institutional aid for qualifying students. The financial aid office works with families to construct affordable financing packages combining grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Students should complete the FAFSA and any required institutional forms by priority deadlines to maximize aid consideration. Career outcomes for Champlain graduates are strong, particularly in the college's signature programs. Game design graduates have been placed at major studios including Bungie, Blizzard, and numerous independent developers. Cybersecurity graduates enter a field with strong demand and competitive salaries. Business and communication graduates benefit from internship experience and professional networks developed during their studies. The required internship component means students graduate with professional experience, not just academic credentials. Career services provide job search assistance, interview preparation, and alumni networking opportunities. The college tracks and publishes graduate outcome data, allowing prospective students to research employment rates and starting salaries by program. Alumni networks support ongoing career development and professional transitions.

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