First-Year Applicants

You are considered a first-time, first-year student if you are a current high school senior, have a high school equivalency diploma, or haven't attended college since graduating from high school.

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The Whole You

At Champlain College, we want to know you as a whole person, not just a transcript or list of achievements. And because we are a test-optional school, you can choose whether or not to include standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT in your application. We know you’re more than just a number.

Have Questions?

Our Admissions team is here to help. Call, email, or live-chat all your questions, big and small.

How to Apply

We’ve tried to include everything you need to know in the steps below, but we know questions come up.

If at any point along the way, you would like support, please reach out to our Admissions team.

  • You can apply to Champlain College using the Common Application or the Champlain College Application. Both are free. Regardless of which you choose, all applications are considered equally. Please do not submit more than one application for admission.

    Common Application
    Champlain College Application

  • Required Documents:

    High School Transcripts

    An official copy of your high school transcript is required. Your school counselor can submit a transcript via: Common App, Parchment, or Scoir.

    If you prefer to fax or mail your documentation, you may do so at:

    Fax
    (802) 860-2767

    Mail
    Attn: Admissions Operations
    163 South Willard Street
    Burlington, VT 05402

    Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

    One recommendation should be from your school counselor and the other recommendation should be from someone who can best highlight your academic potential.

    Mail
    Attn: Admissions Operations
    163 South Willard Street
    Burlington, VT 05402

    Other Supporting Materials

    Test Scores (optional)
    Champlain College is a test-optional institution. Please indicate on your application whether you would like us to consider your standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT).

    • For College Board SAT, use code 3291
    • For ACT, use code 4298 

    Portfolio (depending on major)
    If you are applying to the Animation, Creative Media, Filmmaking, Game Art, Game Design, or Graphic Design & Visual Communication majors, please send us your portfolio.

  • If you are applying to the Animation, Creative Media, Filmmaking, Game Art, Game Design, or Graphic Design & Visual Communication majors, please send us your portfolio.

    View Portfolio Requirements

  • You can request a one-on-one interview with their Admissions Counselor. The interview is your chance to tell us more about yourself and your application, and it is also an opportunity to ask questions about Champlain College. Interviews are an optional part of the application process and will be considered part of your Admissions application if you choose to participate.

Additional Info for Applying

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Academic Requirements 

While we value GPA, class rank, and other academic measures, we’re also interested in your personal qualities and characteristics. Having a spirit of innovation, commitment to inclusivity, or other traits can help tip the balance.
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Portfolio Requirements 

For some majors, submitting a portfolio of your work is a required step in the admissions process. Your portfolio is a way to show us your unique approach to your craft! Check out our requirements to see if your major requires a portfolio!
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Champlain is Test-Optional 

We are happy to consider your application without standardized test scores. As an applicant, this can mean one less thing for you to think about. And if you would like us to consider them, feel free to include them with your submitted application.

Application Deadlines

APPLICATION DATES DECISION RELEASE DATE*
Early Decision I November 15, 2023 Mid December, 2023
Early Decision II January 15, 2024 (extended deadline) Rolling
Regular Decision February 1, 2024** Rolling, beginning early March, 2024
Transfer Priority Deadline: May 1, 2024 Rolling
Spring Enrollment Final Deadline: December 1, 2024 Rolling

All deadlines are 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

*Decision release dates are contingent on receiving all requisite application materials by the stated deadlines, including transcripts and portfolios, if required.
**We are able to extend our deadline in certain circumstances. Please reach out to an admissions counselor.
***Certain majors are not eligible for Spring enrollment.

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Consider Applying Early Decision!

If Champlain is your top choice school, we highly recommend Early Decision. It influences our application decision-making process, and it comes with perks!

Learn About Applying Early Decision

Net Price Calculator

The Net Price Calculator estimates how much and what types of financial aid you might qualify for as a full-time student.

Net Price Calculator

Why Champlain?

Over the past six years, 91% of Champlain students were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. An overwhelming majority of them are in positions relevant to their career goals – 88%, in fact.

Get Career Ready
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Unlock your potential with our dynamic, multi-dimensional education. Our career-focused majors will give you an edge, whether you want to run a business, solve crimes, create art, lead environmental change, become a lawyer, or do anything else you’re passionate about.

Career-Focused Academics
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There’s no place like Vermont. With the perfect balance of big city life and small town charm, Burlington is often ranked as one of the best small cities in the United States and one of the best college towns in the country!

Our Community
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Waiting for a decision?

Our Application Dashboard allows you to monitor the status of your application and determine if you have any outstanding requirements. If you don’t have an account for our Dashboard, please create one using the same email address you used when applying.

If you are an applicant with questions for the Office of Admissions, please contact the Undergraduate Office of Admissions at admission@champlain.edu or 802-625-0201.

Open House Events

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Every season is beautiful in Vermont, which means there’s never a bad time to attend an Open House at Champlain College. And it’s the best option if you truly want to know what it’s like to be a student at Champlain.

All of our Open House events give you the opportunity to

  • learn about majors and programs directly from faculty, deans and current students
  • explore the Champlain campus and city of Burlington including the lakefront and Church Street, and
  • get guidance from our Admissions and Financial Aid staff on what to expect when you apply.

Open House events include campus tours, information sessions, complimentary lunch, and more!

Upcoming Events

More Inside How to Apply

  • Benefits of Early Decision 

    If you’ve taken the time to get to know us and you know this is where you can thrive, applying Early Decision is the best way to indicate to our Admissions team that you are all in for Champlain.

Are You Ready?

Take the Next Step 
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