The Princeton Review once again named Champlain College to “The Best Colleges” list for 2027. U.S. News & World Report ranked our Burlington, Vermont campus at #58 among Top Private Schools in the North.
We are honored to be included on these lists and to highlight how we are expanding our innovative offerings here at Champlain College.
These annual rankings are determined by several factors. The Princeton Review uses in-depth surveys and feedback from current students who rate their own experiences and highlight the college’s academic excellence. Meanwhile, U.S. News considers data submitted by schools through statistical surveys, as well as external and governmental data sources.
“Recognition from both The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report affirms what we set out to do every day: prepare students to graduate Ready. Ready with real-world skills, professional connections, and a portfolio of meaningful work, through an academic curriculum that is purposefully different by design,” says Alex Hernandez, Champlain College President. “We’re grateful to our students and community for continuing to place Champlain in such good company on these lists.”
Champlain College is Different by Design
Innovating and adapting are at the core of who we are. Ever since our campus opened in 1878, we’ve put real-world learning first and foremost in everything we do. With our Upside-Down Curriculum, students get hands-on experience in their major from day one. They’re using industry-standard software, exploring camera equipment, and breaking apart devices from the very start. There’s no need to wait until junior year when all your classes (even your gen-eds!) revolve around your chosen field through experiential learning, taught by industry-expert professionals.
When we ask students what makes Champlain special, two common answers ring true: the tight-knit, welcoming community and the opportunities Champlain provides — from class projects with real clients to internships and study abroad adventures. (Plus, you can’t forget the gorgeous lake and mountain views).
What’s New, What’s True
The past couple of years have brought a variety of new initiatives and programs to Champlain, including our partnership with Hula, a technology-driven hub for startup businesses in Burlington, Vermont. This partnership has led to meaningful class projects, collaborations, internships, and jobs for our students with local organizations. Down the road at our Lakeside campus, we launched a partnership with nuHarbor Security and our Cyber Start program, which encourages high school students to get involved in the cybersecurity industry early through our dual-enrollment program.
This fall, we welcomed the first on-campus undergraduate class that will experience our new skills-based approach to education and flexible curriculum model. Alongside their major and project-based general education courses, this future-forward structure provides every student with 30 flexible credits to follow their passions as they evolve. They can use those credits to double major, intern, study abroad, deepen their skills with a graduate certificate through Champlain College Online, or join a co-op program.
Speaking of co-ops, our co-op program will allow students to spend an entire semester in a full-time, paid employment opportunity that will also count for 12-15 academic credits. During their employment, students will gain resume-ready professional experience and maintain their graduation timeline.
As Champlain continues to grow and innovate, more and more opportunities are being created for students to build their resumes and portfolios, network, and make meaningful connections that will benefit their future.
of graduates in the Class of 2025 participated in at least one experiential learning opportunity, such as an internship, before graduating.
Average salary difference among Class of 2025 grads who had at least one internship vs. those who didn’t.
Champlain is expanding its academic offerings to align with in-demand industry needs and workforce trends. We’ve announced two new majors for students starting in Fall 2027: Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence and Public Policy.
New Majors
Public Policy
Public policy programs typically focus on writing reports, arguing positions, or drafting bills. Champlain’s Public Policy BA takes it one step further: it teaches you the why behind the need for new policies, and how to ensure the changes are visible and understandable to the people affected.
Learn More
Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence
Knowing how to apply data analytics and AI is one thing — knowing how to build it is another. At Champlain, you’ll learn how to turn raw data into machine learning models and how to apply AI tools to help organizations make smarter decisions. Along the way, you’ll dig into data structures and algorithms, prototyping, and grapple with the ethics of AI, all while building your skillset in areas like data visualization, data mining, and pattern recognition.
Learn MoreIn an effort to make Champlain’s learning experience a reality for more students, we also recently announced a new tuition commitment for students entering in Fall 2027. This commitment provides families with greater certainty about the cost of a Champlain education and reinforces the College’s commitment to accessibility, affordability, and student success.
Champlain will match first-year tuition and fees for Vermont residents to the University of Vermont’s in-state rate, and cap tuition and fees at $30,000 for out-of-state students entering in Fall 2027, through two new awards: the Champlain Flagship Award and Champlain Access Award.
Behind the Rankings
All that is evolving at Champlain College would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, faculty, and students, whose insight, feedback, and hard work make rapid innovation achievable. We are thrilled to see this hard work reflected in the data that U.S. News considered in its rankings of Top Private Schools.
Being among the top 292 institutions from around the country that were named to the Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges List” is a testament to the ongoing innovation at Champlain. The Princeton Review is a guiding light for many prospective students and families during the college search process, and serves as one of the most student-centered college rating systems available.
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