Business Administration, Management and Operations at Champlain College

Champlain College's business management program delivers outcomes that align closely with national standards but lag behind Vermont's strongest options. Graduates earn $46,334 in their first year—essentially matching the national median but falling below three of the state's five business programs. When Vermont families can access UVM or Saint Michael's (both producing $51,000+ earners), this program's 40th percentile state ranking matters. The $26,000 debt load is standard for business degrees nationwide, yielding a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio, but that reasonable leverage doesn't compensate for the earnings gap.

The 10% earnings growth to $50,912 by year four is encouraging and suggests graduates build solid career trajectories. However, even with this improvement, they remain behind what UVM and Saint Michael's graduates earn from day one. For Vermont residents weighing in-state options, the comparison is particularly stark—you're paying similar debt for outcomes that trail the state's flagship and private alternative by roughly $5,000 annually. The moderate sample size means these figures are reasonably reliable, though individual results will vary.

If your child has admission offers from UVM or Saint Michael's, those programs show stronger earnings potential. Champlain makes sense primarily if its specific curriculum or Burlington location offers compelling non-financial advantages, or if financial aid packages make the net cost significantly lower than alternatives.