Vermont State University vs Champlain College: which has better ROI?
Champlain College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $143,440 in 14.3 years versus 37 years at Vermont State University, on median earnings of $58,386 vs $50,331 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Vermont State University | Champlain College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,212 | $35,860 |
| Total net cost | $72,848 | $143,440 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,331 | $58,386 |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $26,814 |
| Payback | 37 yrs | 14.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$33,428 | $57,080 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Vermont State University or Champlain College?
Vermont State University, at $18,212 a year after aid versus $35,860 — a gap of $17,648 a year, or $70,592 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Vermont State University or Champlain College graduates earn more?
Champlain College graduates report a median $58,386 ten years after entry, $8,055 more than the $50,331 at Vermont State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Vermont State University or Champlain College?
Vermont State University: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $26,814 at Champlain College, a difference of $11,814. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
65% of students finish at Champlain College, against 47% at Vermont State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.