The Area: Champlain College is perched on a hillside in a residential section of Burlington, Vermont, one of New England’s most charming and vibrant small cities and best college towns (the campus is adjacent to the bustling University of Vermont).
Burlington (population 45,000) is known for its artsy, eco-friendly vibe, full of local shops, cafés, and live music venues. The waterfront area is just a short walk away, offering bike paths, boat rentals, and open-air events. Outdoor enthusiasts have the Green Mountains for skiing and hiking within an hour. Montreal is about an hour and a half away, and Boston is just over three hours by car. Burlington International Airport is just 10 minutes from campus and offers direct flights to many major hubs.
The Campus/Students: The Campus/Students: Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a compact, picturesque campus, full of character and easy to navigate on foot. Many students live in Victorian-era mansions turned residence halls (fully modernized inside), but newer buildings blend well with the historical ones on the charming campus. Head to the top floor of the library for stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain, especially at sunset.
The 1,700 students describe the campus culture as close-knit, creative, and collaborative. With game design one of the most popular majors, the self-described vibe on campus is “gamers and geeks.” There are no traditional varsity sports teams, but eSports are huge, drawing a passionate following and national recognition. There are plenty of clubs and activities (including intramural sports), but any serious nightlife happens in the broader Burlington area (or on the nearby UVM campus). Students come to Champlain ready to work and get down to business.
Academics: Champlain is known for its distinctive “Upside-Down Curriculum,” which lets students dive into their major courses right from the start, sometimes taking up to six classes in their major during the first year. This early immersion helps students get focused quickly, gain hands-on experience, and confirm their interests from day one. Internships can begin as early as second semester of freshman year, and 79% of students complete one or more internships before graduation. Classes are small and professors are overwhelmingly described as supportive (and often have professional experience in their respective fields). Champlain students also have access to co-ops, which now earn academic credit.
The college offers 28 career-focused majors organized into six “future-ready” divisions:
Business & Analytics
Cybersecurity, Computer Science & Technology
Creative Arts & Communication
Game Design & Development
Humanities & the Sciences
Individualized Studies
Champlain’s academic approach blends technical preparation with creativity and purpose. It’s particularly strong in Game Design and Game Art, both of which require a portfolio for admission and rank among the top programs in the country. The school’s partnership with Anthropic reflects its commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving AI-driven economy. Students can also take advantage of Flex 30, which provides a year’s worth of flexible credits to customize their education–perfect for exploring internships, study abroad (including Champlain’s own campuses in Dublin and Montreal), or specialized projects.
Cost: As of Fall 2025, the total cost of attendance is $71,872. All accepted students at Champlain will receive a merit award, and 66% of students with no demonstrated financial need receive merit awards (average award $17,162).
Champlain College offers strong preprofessional preparation, hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, and a creative, close-knit community–all in one of New England’s best outdoor destinations (and college towns). For students who know what they want to study, are looking for a non-traditional approach to their learning, and who are ready to embrace the four seasons of northern Vermont, Champlain College may be worth a look. Visit Champlain College's website to learn more and see if it’s a good fit for you.