Champlain College Overhauls Academic Programs
Facing sustained enrollment drops and financial pressures, Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, is taking significant steps to reshape its academic offerings. The private, non-profit institution began phasing out five majors in June 2023: law, broadcast media production, data analytics, finance, and accounting. The decision, according to college officials, is part of a broader initiative to implement a career-focused curriculum by fall 2026.
The restructured curriculum aims to align more closely with evolving employer demands and student interests. Alex Hernandez, president of Champlain College, highlighted that the school is redesigning its 27 majors and streamlining academic programs to better serve students. “Our majors evolve over time to meet the needs of Vermont and our student body,” Hernandez said. “We are looking at where the career opportunities are.”
Declining Enrollment and Financial Struggles
Champlain College’s decision comes amid a broader trend of financial strain for small private colleges. Enrollment at Champlain has fallen sharply—from 4,778 students in 2016 to approximately 3,200 in fall 2024. This decline has been accompanied by budget deficits in multiple years and a more than $60 million bond issued in 2016 that continues to affect the institution’s cash flow.
A 2023 federal audit found the college was not meeting the required debt service coverage ratio. Although steps have since been taken to improve its financial health, including bringing on a consultant, S&P Global Ratings downgraded Champlain’s bond rating in May 2024, citing a negative outlook due to ongoing enrollment and operational pressures.
Program Cuts and Student Concerns
Students and recent graduates from phased-out programs have voiced concerns about the school’s direction. Aidan Pearl, a recent graduate in law and former student government leader, noted that while some faculty members were laid off, others left voluntarily. Pearl estimated around 32 staff and faculty members departed during the transition.
“My worry is that we are losing the very people needed to implement these changes,” Pearl said. He added that the administration downplayed the impact of the restructuring, leaving students uncertain and frustrated.
Nicole Junas, spokesperson for Champlain College, stated that while a “very small number” of faculty were laid off, there were no widespread job cuts. She emphasized that students currently enrolled in discontinued programs will still graduate with their degrees.
Faculty and Student Discontent
The restructuring has not been universally welcomed. Some faculty and students expressed concern about declining academic quality, citing increased reliance on adjunct instructors. A student in the business school, who requested anonymity, said, “It’s not prepping people for what they need. The quality just isn’t the same.”
Faculty committee minutes reveal hesitation about eliminating programs like accounting, which had strong career placement rates. “The thought of having a named business school without offering an accounting major may have negative effects,” the committee noted. Nevertheless, the program was discontinued due to low enrollment and a shift in the college’s strategic direction.
Strategic Shift Toward Flexibility and Innovation
Despite the turbulence, Hernandez remains optimistic. He explained that Champlain is adopting a more flexible approach, integrating disciplines like entrepreneurship, finance, and accounting under broader majors such as Business Administration. The college now offers 27 in-person majors and over 130 degree and certificate programs through its online platform.
Among its standout programs, Champlain’s Game Design major has earned national recognition from The Princeton Review. The college also pioneered an undergraduate cybersecurity program, designated by the National Security Agency and the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.
“We are leaning into our strengths,” Hernandez said. “This new curriculum is about providing experiential, hands-on, and flexible learning in a rapidly changing world.”
Looking Ahead
Champlain College is betting on innovation to reverse its fortunes. Hernandez noted that 90% of graduates secure employment or pursue further education within six months of graduation, and over 80% work in fields related to their studies. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of sustaining programs with low enrollment.
“If we don’t have enough students for a program, it’s challenging to run it,” Hernandez said. He emphasized that the school has been deliberate and strategic in its efforts to adapt to the current challenges facing higher education.
Still, doubts remain within the college community. Some faculty members worry that reducing the number of programs may further depress enrollment. “You have to bring in a certain critical mass of students,” a former faculty member said. “If those students aren’t there, you start running in the red.”
As Champlain College navigates these changes, the administration is hoping that a modernized, employer-aligned curriculum will attract students and stabilize its financial future. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen.
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