Location: Burlington, VT•In-State Tuition: $45,550•Admission Rate: 67%•Avg SAT: 1262
Median Earnings (1yr)
$61,225
95th percentile
Median Debt
$30,666
5% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.50 ManageableSample: 17 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Champlain College's cybersecurity certificate delivers exceptional first-year earnings of $61,225—nearly $10,000 above the national median and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. With just $30,666 in debt, graduates face a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in six months of gross earnings. This is among the lowest debt loads in the country for this credential type.

The catch? Vermont has only two schools offering this certificate, making state comparisons less meaningful, and this program's sample size is small enough that a few outlier outcomes could skew the numbers significantly. Still, the fundamentals look solid. Champlain has built a strong reputation in cybersecurity education, and that brand recognition appears to translate into real labor market value for even short-term credential programs.

For parents considering this as either a standalone certificate or a stepping stone to further education, the risk-reward profile looks favorable. The debt load is modest, the earnings potential is strong, and cybersecurity skills remain in high demand. Just recognize that individual results may vary more than usual given the small cohort size—what works for 15 graduates may not scale to your specific situation.

Where Champlain College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all security science and technology certificate's programs nationally

Champlain CollegeOther security science and technology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Champlain College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Champlain College earns $61k — 95th percentile among security science and technology certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Security Science and Technology certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Champlain CollegeBurlington$45,550$61,225—$30,6660.50
Utica UniversityUtica$24,308$53,951———
Hamline UniversitySaint Paul$48,311$49,614———
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee$10,020$46,673—$28,0000.60
National Median—$51,782—$29,3330.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with security science and technology graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geographers

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

$97,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

$78,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Intelligence Analysts

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Customs and Border Protection Officers

Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Champlain College, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.