Computer Programming at Champlain College

Champlain College's Computer Programming bachelor's degree carries an estimated debt load of $31,050 against first-year earnings that peer programs suggest hover around $50,000. That 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio places graduates in a manageable position—they'd be looking at roughly seven months of gross income to cover their student loans, which falls comfortably within the range financial advisors consider sustainable for STEM credentials.

The challenge here is context. As Vermont's only bachelor's program in Computer Programming captured in this dataset, there's no state comparison to illuminate whether Champlain's approach differs meaningfully from regional alternatives. National benchmarks show considerable variation in outcomes, with top-quartile programs producing $72,000+ in first-year earnings. Whether Champlain graduates track closer to the median or exceed it remains unclear given the estimation methodology.

What parents should recognize is that computer programming credentials sit in a volatile market where practical skills, portfolio work, and internship connections often matter as much as the degree itself. The financial foundation appears solid enough—the debt level isn't alarming for a tech-focused field—but you'll want direct conversations with current students and recent alumni about job placement rates and employer relationships. Those qualitative factors will tell you whether this specific program delivers the career acceleration that justifies the investment, something the estimated figures alone cannot answer.