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Sterling College

Sterling, KS·Private nonprofit·569 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

53%
Accept
569
Students
$22,403
Net Price
29%
Grad Rate
$40,500
Earnings
10 yr
$12,000
Debt

About This School

Sterling College is a private nonprofit institution located in Sterling, Kansas with approximately 569 undergraduate students enrolled. Sterling College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 53%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,403 per year. The graduation rate is 29%, and the typical graduate earns $40,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

Sterling College may refer to:Sterling College (Kansas) Sterling College (Vermont)

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 29% graduation rate and 59% freshman retention rate suggest many students don't finish, which is a serious red flag worth pressing the school on before enrolling. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $12,000, and the net price of $22,403/year is manageable for a private college. Worth considering only if you've visited, connected with the community, and have a clear plan for staying on track — this small Kansas school may work well for the right student, but the odds of completing a degree here are not in your favor statistically.

Founded
1887
Setting
Remote rural

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing30%
Education11%
Health Professions8%
Psychology5%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Biological Sciences3%
Communications3%
Social Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Clarence GilyardWindell Middlebrooks

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$32,200
Out-of-State Tuition
$32,200
Avg Net Price
$22,403
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants32%
Median debt at graduation$12,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
29%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
59%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$31,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White64%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (569 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Sterling College

125 W. Cooper

Sterling, KS 67579

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Kansas

Browse all Kansas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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