Champlain College

“The Upside-Down Curriculum is probably the biggest advantage to being a student at Champlain. To be a first-year student and have familiarity with the tools and processes that professionals are using in your field is so beneficial.” – Brooke // Computer & Digital Forensics major

UPSIDE-DOWN CURRICULUM
The Upside-Down Curriculum is a unique educational approach that allows students to take essential courses and begin experiencing their major starting in their first semester. Not only does its format allow students to get into internships earlier, but it also makes it possible to take as many as six classes in one’s major during their first year at Champlain. With this approach, students have four full years to develop the skills essential for success in their defined career. Learn more at champlain.edu/upside-down.

“Champlain’s Upside-Down Curriculum has allowed me to get hands-on experience with all types of gear from day one. From camera to audio, lighting and grip, we are able to practice and become familiar with all of it very early on, which I feel is extremely important because by the time you’re a senior, it’s second-nature.” – Kirsten // Broadcast Media Production major

EDUCATION IN THREE DIMENSIONS
Champlain is consistently recognized for its unique approach to academics due to the three dimensions of the College’s professionally focused education. This three-tiered academic approach encompasses the career, academic, and practical knowledge students need to thrive personally and professionally in an ever-changing world.

“At Champlain, the teaching style is academic-based but with real world-orientation. You’ll learn philosophy and then learn how you’ll use it in the real world.” – Jameson // Secondary Teacher Education major

CAREER-FOCUSED MAJORS
Champlain offers 34 career-focused majors that are developed with industry experts to ensure students an education that prepares them to jump right into the workforce. Concentrations, minors, and co-curricular activities allow students to tailor their educational experience to their specific career goals. And, for students who are unsure of which major to pursue, Champlain’s Upside-Down Curriculum allows them to explore their options throughout and beyond their first semester. Learn more at champlain.edu/majors.

INSIGHT PROGRAM
Champlain’s distinctive InSight Program equips students with the career readiness and personal financial skills to ensure their successful transition from college to career. The four-year, curriculum-embedded program works alongside students’ major and the Core curriculum in order to enable practical, hands-on learning through professional workshops (Career SMARTalks), seminars, lectures, company visits, and employer information sessions. Students also participate in internships, field experiences, and career-building opportunities early on, taking advantage of cutting-edge recruiting technologies to fast-track and target their job search. Plus, students also learn how to manage their finances and pay back any student loans after graduation. Learn more at champlain.edu/InSight-program.

“Core makes you think hard about yourself, your community and the global world. It is very grounding as a business major because we talk a lot about making a profit and being successful, but Core brings me back to the ground—money and success aren’t everything, they are only one piece of the puzzle.” – Kathryn // Management & Innovation major

LEARN FROM REAL-WORLD EXPERTS
Within the classroom, students have the benefit of being taught by passionate educators who also have extensive
experience working in the subject fields they teach. This deep professional expertise adds tremendous value to students’ learning by providing them with insider insight of their respective real-world industries. Better yet, their extensive industry contacts provide students a huge advantage when they are ready to take on an internship or enter the field.

“My professors are not just teaching from a textbook, they’re speaking from real-world experience.” – Bekkah // Marketing major

PERSONAL ATTENTION
Champlain’s professors are truly passionate about what they do and are personally invested in how much students learn. They inspire students to think harder, challenge their assumptions, and expand their intellectual and professional horizons. The focus of every professor in each course is on stimulating students’ individual academic growth and helping them develop their unique career potential.

Students are never taught by a teaching assistants, nor are they lost in a sea of faces in a cavernous lecture hall. Champlain’s average class size is 16 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. Students notice right away how the small class sizes enable their professors to draw each student into class discussions. Champlain’s professors not only know their students by name, but they know who they are as well as their interests and aspirations.

CENTERS OF EXPERIENCE
Champlain’s Centers of Experience are on-campus, experiential learning centers at which students get real-world career experience before they graduate. Centers include the Build Your Own Business (BYOBiz®) program, the Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Investigation, the Emergent Media Center®, the David L. Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry, the Center for Financial Literacy, the Center for Mediation & Dialogue, the Center for Publishing, the MakerLab, the Center for Service & Sustainability, and the Women’s & Gender Center. Learn more at champlain.edu/centers.

SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Study abroad
Teacher certification program

“I feel like ever since I walked on campus, I was so comfortable. I was so afraid of not being able to make friends or not fitting in. But you do fit in here; there is no doubt about it. You’re welcomed everywhere you go, and you are always able to say hi to someone.” – Meghan // Computer Information Technology major

As soon as students arrive at Champlain, they feel the energy of one of America’s most beautiful campuses in one of America’s most stunningly beautiful cities. Beyond their residence halls, a world of education, entertainment, and adventure awaits: concerts, dances, student-life adventure trips, foreign film festivals, guest speaker events, networking opportunities, and other happenings liven up the campus—and that’s not including all the things going on in the City of Burlington.

At Champlain, students find far more than a typical “college lifestyle.” Campus life at Champlain is about living a style of life—a life that’s fun, full, meaningful, surprising, entertaining, healthy, diverse, memorable, and in line with one’s academic and professional goals. In short, life at this small college is big. Learn more at champlain.edu/student-life.

“I work on campus as a Residential Assistant. I love being an RA because I get to foster an inclusive and welcoming community among my residents. I have also developed relevant life skills through event programming, conflict resolution and relationship building.” – Erin // Management & Innovation major

ELEVATOR PITCH
The annual Elevator Pitch Competition is presented by Champlain’s Build Your Own Business (BYOBiz) program, Career Collaborative, and the Office of Institutional Advancement. Students can compete in the categories of entrepreneurs, job/internship seekers, or non-profit/social advocates. They ride together in a fictional elevator and have 90 seconds to pitch to “the suit.” 

ACTIVITIES FAIR & STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
At the start of the school year, everyone turns out for the Student Activities Fair at which they can find out about the many clubs, groups, and special-interest organizations available. There is something for everyone and every interest, including cultural, civic, music, tech, film, writing, social, and fitness opportunities.

“Champlain College fosters an inclusive living environment and yearns to ensure that every single individual feels welcomed and supported here.” – Danielle // Graphic Design & Digital Media

STUDENT GOVERNMENT
The Student Government Association (SGA) is an advocate for the Champlain College community that acts as a liaison for students to the administration, staff, and faculty. The SGA offers opportunities for leadership development, involvement, and personal growth within Champlain.

“Because the campus is so small, I don’t feel like just another student. I feel like I make an impact on this campus and I always feel welcomed.” – Gillian // Professional Writing major

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Champlain’s Weekend Activities Planner’s (WAP) entire job description is to plan fun and exciting events on the weekends. These include, but are definitely not limited to, video game tournaments, trips to ski resorts, ice-climbing, maple sugaring, and jet boating.

Unofficial, spontaneous events occur all over campus throughout the academic year: longboarding the outskirts of campus; snowboarding on the hill behind Perry Hall; heart-felt fundraisers for worthy causes; a week-long, campus-wide game of “Humans vs. Zombies;” and other creative diversions, all courtesy of Champlain’s collective imagination.

PROGRAMS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Champlain isn’t just a place to earn a degree—it’s also where students learn how to be responsible, respectful, and engaged citizens. There are many different campus and community programs that encourage students to make a difference, both on campus and within their greater communities. Through the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, the Women’s & Gender Center, Sustain Champlain, and the Center for Service & Sustainability, students can explore such issues as social justice; cross-cultural communication; leadership and empowerment; and gender identity and sexual orientation. They can also get involved in service projects, events, and activities that work to effect change in the world.

“It’s a lot more diverse than I thought. You have a whole different host of characters; it’s certainly a vibrant school. I think it’s fantastic. I like being able to see all these different people and getting to interact with them. It makes for a really interesting learning environment.” – Jonathan // Professional Writing major

SERVICE-LEARNING
Champlain recognizes that more intentional, productive, and educational service can happen when it is integrated with sustained reflective learning. Students in Champlain College’s Education and Human Studies Division take Signature Courses that make it possible for students to do good work in the local community and cultivate their ability to see multiple perspectives, examine their assumptions of others, make connections between the classroom and field experiences, and apply what they’ve learned to new, complex situations.

Additionally, Champlain’s Center for Service and Sustainability, in conjunction with the Office of International Education, organizes service trips throughout the year that take groups of students to different communities to learn and volunteer. In the past, Champlain has organized domestic service trips throughout the United States as well as trips to four different continents and over eight different countries, including Entebbe, Uganda; Charesca, Nicaragua; Bagamoyo, Tanzania.

“I love the fact that I’m able to stay busy all day, every day. Every semester I’ve studied at Champlain College, I’ve had a different internship, participated in multiple service and leadership experiences, played a couple of sports and learned a substantial amount which ultimately benefits my career prospects.” – Julian // International Business & Finance double major

SCHOOL LOCATION
Champlain College is located in the beautiful Hill Section of Burlington, Vermont. Burlington is frequently cited in national publications and opinion polls, earning such titles as “#1 College Town” in America, one of “The Top Tech Hubs in the Nation,” and the “Healthiest City in the United States.” Burlington—which is well served by bus, train, and air transportation—is approximately a 2-hour drive to Montreal, a 3.5-hour drive to Boston, and a 5.5-hour drive to New York City.

Burlington has the look, feel, charm, and friendliness of a small town with a music, food, and arts scene that radiates an urban vibe.

The epicenter of the city is a four-block, cobblestoned, outdoor marketplace that is cordoned off exclusively for pedestrians. The place hops. Street performers, cart vendors, and outdoor eatery seating enliven the well-balanced distribution of national storefronts (like The Gap and Urban Outfitters) among an eclectic roster of locally owned shops.

The downtown waterfront and community park offers 900 feet of pristine lakeshore and a magnificent boardwalk, built for strolling, biking, blading, running, and just sitting on a bench to watch the beautiful sunset over the Adirondack Mountains. There is also easy access to an 8-mile lakefront recreation path.

RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 92%
Undergraduates: 69%

Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
Special housing for international students

“The Champlain experience is personal. It’s very different from a big college where you just might be another number. My education and experiences here make me a competitive applicant for internships and jobs.” – Logan, ’18 // Criminal Justice major

THE CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE CAREER COLLABORATIVE
Champlain has been in the business of providing a career-focused education since 1878. Champlain’s comprehensive approach to professional readiness is systematically orchestrated and passionately administered through Champlain College’s Career Collaborative, who are among the most forward-thinking emerging talent consulting teams in higher education. They work to continually evolve the College’s career development for students and alumni.

Career Collaborative is where emerging talent and professional networking meet. Extending far beyond the College itself, Career Collaborative actively partners with employers to develop and offer the most current and relevant career preparation available today. It is the Champlain organization that leverages all of the career-focused academic programs, connecting students with practical, hands-on, relevant experiential learning opportunities. The team is truly collaborative; they facilitate a thoughtful effort—within the Champlain community and with its greater professional network—to help students seize meaningful opportunities in preparation for their future.

“I worked at The Shelburne News and Citizen newspaper in Shelburne, Vermont, over the summer. I copy-edited, sold classifieds, took photos, wrote articles, organized the calendar, and answered phones, etc. The connections I gained at Champlain helped me get the position, and my work with Chivomengro, Champlain’s online nonfiction magazine, gave me clips and copy-editing experience that I needed when I applied. Having experience working in a newsroom and having a professional internship will help me when I apply to jobs in the future.” – Gillian, ’19 // Professional Writing major

ACTIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Career Collaborative’s active partnerships are part of its strategic, pragmatic approach to the professional readiness of students. Champlain’s faculty, staff, and external stakeholders all help the Career Collaborative act as engaged participants on behalf of and alongside students in their employment preparation process. Champlain’s alumni and parents are resources as both informational and experiential networks whom students can access for career development. Champlain’s relationships with employers and recruiters assist in furthering the employment potential and careers of students and alumni.

“Interning and studying in Shanghai were eye-opening and inspiring experiences—from an educational and a spiritual standpoint. I now feel more appreciative and grateful for each and every moment of life. … The Freeman Foundation Program provided me and 25 fellow students with a great opportunity to spend two months interning at Chinese companies, while experiencing authentic Chinese culture. My internship experience proved to be valuable in terms of exposure and knowledge and provided me with a cumulative opportunity to integrate all I have learned at Champlain College and apply it in a practical setting.” – Zhomart, ’18 // Business Administration & Finance double major

CAREER COACHES
Career Collaborative’s resident, subject-matter Career Coaches begin supporting the professional success of all students from day one. They help locate career-relevant experiential learning and employment opportunities as well as make meaningful connections with employer networks. They also host career-education SMARTalks, industry speaker presentations, and employer site and recruitment visits.

“Your classes here set you up for a working environment, and more importantly a modern professional environment. We are up-to-date on the new trends that are emerging in the workplace in terms of the relationships employees have with each other, and the responsibility of an employer to their employees. Champlain is preparing us not just for the traditional business environment but for the future.” – Jacob Burt, ’19 // Management & Innovation major

INTERNSHIP & CAREER FAIRS
The high level of internship support that Career Collaborative provides is an important differentiator of Champlain’s distinctive, career-focused approach to higher education. Champlain’s annual Internship & Career Fairs offers students, alumni, and employer partners the chance to meet and discuss goals and opportunities, all while building professional networks. Multiple internships are the key to success for many students’ their career goals upon graduation or admission to graduate school.

“I’ve worked on PR research plans, marketing plans, video projects and more, which I plan to use in my portfolio as a representation of all the cool experiences I’ve had here at Champlain. I’ve worked with clients in the area and made tons of connections. In particular, I had the opportunity to develop a marketing plan for a dairy feed company called Phoenix Feed and Nutrition—a worthwhile experience I never expected to have.” – Bessie,’18 // Communication major

Admission

ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA | Talent/ability

Important
Recommendation(s) | Extracurricular activities
Character/personal qualities | First generation
Racial/ethnic status | Level of applicant’s interest

Considered
Application Essay | Class rank | Standardized test scores | Alumni/ae relation
Volunteer work | Work experience

TEST SCORES
Optional

FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 560 | 75th Percentile: 650
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 530 | 75th Percentile: 630
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 27
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 27
ACT English
25th Percentile: 21 | 75th Percentile: 28

Tuition & Cost

Tuition: $45,100
Fees: $450
Room: $10,500
Board: $6,400

Aid

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AID
Each year, more than 95% of our students receive more than $36 million in both need and merit-based Champlain scholarships. Our merit-based scholarships are offered automatically upon students’ admission to Champlain. To be eligible for need-based scholarships, federal and state grants, loans, and on-campus jobs, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.gov.

COUNT-ON-IT FINANCIAL AID GUARANTEE
Champlain College has created the Count-On-It Financial Aid Guarantee to make sure that students and parents know exactly what they can count on for the student’s entire enrollment. After students are admitted, they will receive a Financial Aid award letter that outlines the aid and scholarships that are guaranteed to be consistent as long as the student is full time. Learn more at champlain.edu/finaidguarantee.