Visual and Performing Arts at Champlain College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Champlain's Visual and Performing Arts program costs about the same as competitors but delivers significantly stronger outcomes—$30,138 in first-year earnings places it in the 90th percentile nationally for arts programs, well above the typical $25,286. Even within Vermont's small arts program landscape, where it ranks at the 60th percentile, it substantially outperforms Bennington's $20,809. The $27,000 debt load sits right at the state and national median, but paired with above-average earnings, the 0.90 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable for an arts degree.
The trajectory matters here: earnings grow 29% to $38,725 by year four, which is unusual momentum for performing arts graduates who often plateau early. While $30,138 won't impress anyone straight out of college, that's actually strong positioning in a field where most graduates earn less. Champlain appears to be connecting students to better-paying creative industry jobs—possibly in Vermont's design, media, or tech sectors—rather than the typical gig-economy arts career.
For families worried about arts degrees leading to barista jobs, this program offers evidence that outcomes don't have to be dire. The debt is real but proportional, and the earnings trajectory suggests graduates are building actual careers. It's still an arts degree with arts-degree economics, but if your child is committed to this path, Champlain's version looks like one of the safer bets.
Where Champlain College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all visual and performing arts bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Champlain College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Champlain College graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 90th percentile of all visual and performing arts bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Vermont
Visual and Performing Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Vermont (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champlain College | $30,138 | $38,725 | $27,000 | 0.90 |
| Bennington College | $20,809 | $19,065 | $27,000 | 1.30 |
| National Median | $25,286 | — | $26,083 | 1.03 |
Other Visual and Performing Arts Programs in Vermont
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Vermont schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bennington College Bennington | $64,644 | $20,809 | $27,000 |
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.
Sample Size: Based on 59 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.