What Champlain College does

Champlain College is a private nonprofit higher education institution founded in 1878 and headquartered on a hilltop campus at 163 S Willard Street in Burlington, Vermont, with a wholly-owned international subsidiary, Champlain College Dublin Limited, in Ireland. The college employs 1,001-5,000 staff and serves multiple student segments: traditional on-campus undergraduates, fully online learners (via the Champlain College Online sub-brand), international students on F-1/J-1 visas, and high school students in residential pre-college summer programs. Core academic clusters include game design and development (seven game-related degrees across Game Design, Game Art, Game Programming, Game Production Management, Game Business & Publishing, plus Creative Media), digital forensics and cybersecurity anchored by the Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity, Criminology and Criminal Justice (with Vermont Police Academy integration and the Prison Law Initiative), graphic design and visual communication, and applied sustainability.

Name

Champlain College

Legal name

Champlain College Incorporated

Website

https://champlain.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1878

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Champlain College is a private nonprofit higher education institution in Burlington, Vermont, founded in 1878, offering career-focused on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate degrees in game design, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and related fields, plus residential pre-college summer programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Burlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Champlain College is a private higher education institution that generates primary revenue through tuition and fees charged to undergraduate and graduate students for on-campus and online programs. Tuition for on-campus programs and Champlain College Online programs is the central revenue driver.
2. NSF and Government Grants: Champlain receives competitive grant funding from government agencies such as the U.S. National Science Foundation. A $400,000 NSF award was received to enhance industry partnerships and STEM education and research as part of a larger $19.6 million NSF initiative.
3. Donations and Private Grants: The College receives charitable donations and program-specific grants from private individuals and organizations, such as EastRise Credit Union grants supporting the Center for Financial Literacy's personal finance education program.
4. Pre-College Summer Program Fees: Revenue generated from intensive residential pre-college summer programs such as the Champlain Game Academy and Indie Game Studio, charged at $4,600 per program, for students entering grades 10-12 and recent graduates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Champlain College is a private, nonprofit higher education institution that delivers career-focused undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and certificates on its Burlington, Vermont campus and through 100% online programs, supplemented by residential pre-college summer programs for high school students. Revenue is generated primarily from tuition and fees for these educational programs, with concentrations in game design, cybersecurity, digital forensics, criminology, graphic design, business, and applied sustainability.

Product overview

Champlain College is a career-focused higher education institution offering a portfolio of on-campus undergraduate programs, fully online degrees and certificates, and pre-college summer programs. The core offerings are organized around three delivery channels: (1) On-Campus Undergraduate Programs in Burlington, Vermont, featuring career-oriented majors in game design and development (Game Design, Game Art, Game Programming, Game Production Management, Game Business & Publishing), digital forensics and cybersecurity (Leahy Center, Computer Networking & Cybersecurity), criminology and criminal justice, graphic design and visual communication, applied sustainability, and more; (2) Champlain College Online providing 100% online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates; and (3) Pre-College Summer Programs including the Champlain Game Academy, Indie Game Studio, Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy, Animation Academy, and Filmmaking & Media Production Exploration Academy for high school students. Supporting experiential learning infrastructure includes the Game Studio Experience (cross-disciplinary game production), Creative Studio Experience, Sustain Champlain (sustainability initiatives), the Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity, the Center for Financial Literacy, and the Champlain Exchange (workforce development/professional services). The college also offers the Teacher Apprenticeship Program. Partnerships with Beta Technologies, Creatio, and others support co-op and experiential learning programs. Rankings include top game design programs nationally (Princeton Review #11 for Game Design 2026, Top 10 via The Princeton Review 2025) and recognition as a Princeton Review Top Green School.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Champlain Game Academy: Pre-college summer residential program for high school students to explore game development
• Indie Game Studio
• Summer Pre-College Programs
• Champlain Exchange
• Center for Financial Literacy

Products and services

• On-Campus Undergraduate Programs Traditional campus-based undergraduate degree programs at Champlain College's Burlington, Vermont campus, offering career-focused education with experiential learning across majors including game design, digital forensics, cybersecurity, criminology, graphic design, business, and applied sustainability.
• Champlain College Online 100% online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates for working adults and non-traditional students, providing flexible remote learning options with self-serve enrollment through online.champlain.edu.
• Pre-College Summer Programs Residential summer programs on the Burlington campus for high school students entering grades 10-12 and recent graduates, including Game Academy, Indie Game Studio, Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy, Animation Academy, and Filmmaking & Media Production Exploration Academy.
• Champlain Game Academy Intensive two-week residential pre-college program for high school students (grades 10-12) covering all aspects of game development including game art, design, narrative, programming, production management, business, testing, and sound design using Maya, Unity, and C#.
• Indie Game Studio Advanced two-week residential pre-college program for students ages 16-19 with prior Unity, Unreal, or 3D modeling experience, immersing participants in indie game development cycles including concept creation, rapid prototyping, iterative critique, and professional-style game pitching.
• Game Design Degree (BS) Bachelor of Science in Game Design preparing students for careers in video game development with focus areas including systems design, technical design, level design, narrative design, and content design, with portfolio development through the Game Studio Experience.
• Game Art Degree (BFA) Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art building creative vision and technical skills to prepare students for careers as game artists, animators, and visual designers in the gaming industry.
• Game Programming Degree (BS) Bachelor of Science in Game Programming focused on software development and programming skills within a creative gaming culture, preparing students to create games and build professional portfolios.
• Game Production Management Degree (BS) Bachelor of Science in Game Production Management preparing students to guide development teams creating video games, with collaborative hands-on projects mirroring the game studio environment.
• Game Business & Publishing Degree (BS) Bachelor of Science in Game Business & Publishing focused on the business side of the gaming industry, preparing students to be business leaders who understand gaming as a global enterprise.
• Criminology & Criminal Justice Degree (BS) Bachelor of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice combining the study of why crime happens with practical skills in law enforcement, corrections, and the court system, featuring the Prison Law Initiative and optional Vermont Police Academy integration.
• Digital Forensics Degree (BS) Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics focused on digital investigation skills, artifact discovery, and the investigator's mindset, preparing students for careers in cybersecurity and digital forensics via the Leahy Center.
• Computer Networking & Cybersecurity Degree (BS) Bachelor of Science in Computer Networking & Cybersecurity providing real-world experience with real clients in computer networking and cybersecurity, preparing students for roles protecting organizations from cyber threats.
• Applied Sustainability Degree (BS) Bachelor of Science in Applied Sustainability integrating environmental and social perspectives, cultivating skills for careers in the growing field of sustainability and environmental management.
• Graphic Design & Visual Communication (BA/BFA) Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design & Visual Communication built around hands-on studio sessions with real clients, helping students build professional portfolios.
• Center for Financial Literacy - Free Personal Finance Program Free personal finance education program for Vermont educators and the general public, offering up to 8 hours of professional development credit, developed with grant support from EastRise Credit Union and an anonymous donation.
• Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity A nationally recognized research and training center for digital forensics and cybersecurity providing students with hands-on experience and industry connections in Vermont and nationally.
• Teacher Apprenticeship Program Program providing pathways for students to become teachers through an apprenticeship model, combining academic coursework with practical teaching experience.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% of Criminology & Criminal Justice graduates (Class of 2024) were employed or continuing education within 6 months of graduation
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Beta TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2026Beta Technologies, a Vermont-based electric aircraft manufacturer (and AI unicorn with a 2025 IPO), partnered with Champlain College to establish a talent pipeline. Six computer science majors are developing an internal social media app called Echo to connect Beta's growing workforce. Students gain real-world industry experience through course projects, with at least one student converting the project into a summer internship. The collaboration aims to keep local talent in Vermont while developing technical and soft skills relevant to evolving workforce needs including AI integration. Kyle Clark, Beta's Founder and CEO, was named Champlain's 2026 commencement speaker and will receive an honorary doctorate of technology and innovation.
• Kyle Clark / Beta TechnologiesminorOthers · 26 February 2026Kyle Clark, Founder and CEO of BETA Technologies (Vermont-based electric aircraft manufacturer that completed a successful IPO in 2025), will deliver the keynote address at Champlain's Class of 2026 commencement ceremony on May 9, 2026, and will be presented with an honorary doctorate of technology and innovation. BETA's expansion has contributed to high-skilled job growth in Vermont and strengthened the state's position in the emerging electric aviation sector.
• Burton SnowboardsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 February 2026Burton Snowboards and its Anon brand partnered with Champlain College as presenting sponsors of Winter Jam 2026, a rail jam competition for skiing and snowboarding hosted on the Burlington campus. The event drew hundreds of community attendees and strengthens Champlain's connection to Vermont's outdoor economy and lifestyle brand.
• CreatiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 October 2025Creatio, a global AI-centered CRM and workflow platform valued at AI unicorn status, became Champlain College's first co-op partner. The partnership creates a co-op program where students can work full-time and earn academic credit simultaneously. The collaboration aims to give students practical experience in AI and related skills while supporting Champlain's emphasis on experiential learning and career readiness.
• Lindsay DesLauriers / Bolton Valley ResortminorOthers · 10 October 2025Lindsay DesLauriers, President of Bolton Valley Resort, received the 2025 Distinguished Citizen Award from Champlain College for her contributions to Vermont's community and outdoor economy. She has led the resort's transformation into a four-season destination and has been active in state policy and community initiatives.
• EastRise Credit UnionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 October 2025EastRise Credit Union provided a grant supporting Champlain College's Center for Financial Literacy in developing and extending a free personal finance education program for Vermont educators and the general public through April 30, 2026. An anonymous donation also contributed to the program which offers up to 8 hours of professional development credit.
• Game Industry Employers (Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Insomniac Games, Zenimax Online Studios, Unity, Sega)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamplain's Game Studio Experience regularly hosts recruiters from major game studios at its annual Senior Game Show, including companies such as Ubisoft Montreal, Electronic Arts, Insomniac Games, Activision, and Zenimax Online Studios. These employers actively recruit Champlain graduates, and alumni are employed at leading studios across the industry, creating a talent pipeline that serves both student career outcomes and employer hiring needs.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• DigiPen Institute of Technology: DigiPen is widely regarded as a top specialized game development and computer science institution, with curriculum built around industry-standard tools and project-based learning similar to Champlain's Game Studio Experience. Direct competitor for the same game design student demographic and ranks similarly in Princeton Review listings.
• Full Sail University: Full Sail offers specialized undergraduate and graduate degrees in game design, entertainment technology, and media arts with extensive industry connections, competing directly with Champlain's portfolio of game-focused programs. Both institutions emphasize portfolio development and experiential learning as core program differentiators.
• University of Advancing Technology (UAT): UAT is a small, technology-focused institution in Arizona offering specialized degrees in game design, cybersecurity, and digital forensics that overlap closely with Champlain's signature programs. Both compete for career-focused students seeking technology specializations over broader liberal arts degrees.

Broad incumbents

• Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT): RIT is a much larger private institution with established programs in game design and development, cybersecurity, and digital forensics, alongside co-op education programs analogous to Champlain's emerging co-op model. Competes for the same career-focused technology students but offers broader program depth and a wider employer network.
• Northeastern University: Northeastern pioneered the co-op education model in U.S. higher education and offers extensive programs in cybersecurity, game design, and computer science with industry partnerships. Serves as the established reference model for the co-op approach Champlain is now scaling with Creatio and other partners.
• Drexel University: Drexel is one of the most established co-op education institutions in the U.S., offering extensive industry-integrated learning in technology, business, and design fields. Directly comparable to Champlain's emerging co-op program approach with Creatio and Beta Technologies.
• Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): SNHU is a leading online-focused institution with extensive undergraduate and graduate online programs serving non-traditional and working adult learners. Directly comparable to Champlain College Online in target segment (working adults seeking flexible online degrees) but at substantially larger scale.
• Western Governors University (WGU): WGU is a major nonprofit online university offering competency-based undergraduate and graduate degrees in IT, cybersecurity, business, and education. Represents a scaled competitor in the online education segment where Champlain College Online competes for working adult students.

Regional players

• Quinnipiac University: Quinnipiac is a private Northeast institution with strong criminology and criminal justice programs alongside other pre-professional degrees. Comparable to Champlain in regional positioning (Northeast U.S., private, career-focused) and in the criminology program strength (Champlain's 80% outcome rate).
• Sacred Heart University: Sacred Heart is a private Catholic institution in Connecticut with prominent criminal justice and cybersecurity programs that compete for the same regional student demographic. Both institutions emphasize career outcomes and experiential learning in criminology-related fields.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/champlainedu
• Facebookfacebook.com/ChamplainEdu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/champlain-college
• Instagraminstagram.com/champlainedu
• TikToktiktok.com/@champlainedu
• Xx.com/ChamplainEdu

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Champlain College