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Sterling College

PrivateRural: Remote

About Sterling College

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

Sterling College is a private university in Sterling, KS. It has a 61.1% acceptance rate and a 36.7% graduation rate, serving approximately 566 students.

Founded

1887

Location

Sterling, Kansas

Students

562

Institution

Private

Known For

KinesiologyPsychologyCriminal Justice

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

48.2%

Selective

Graduation Rate

41.3%

Below national average

Tuition

$33,700

Per year

Avg Net Price

$22,371

After financial aid

SAT Average

1115

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$45,846

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
48.2%

Very Selective

48.2 out of 100 applicants get in

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Optional

Application Fee

$25

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

Sterling College accepts 48.2% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1115 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.

SAT Scores

1115/ 1600

Average: 1115 out of 1600

ACT Scores

22/ 36

Average: 22 out of 36

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
41.3%

Below Average

41.3% complete their degree within six years

Retention

50.3%

4-Year Grad

36%

6-Year Grad

42%

Teaching Quality

9:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

62.3%

$/Student

$6.7K

Class Size

Small

The 36% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$33,700

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$9,586

Books & Supplies

$1,382

Total Cost of Attendance

$47,185

After Financial Aid

$22,371

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$19,068

Receive Grants

37.1%

Take Loans

48.8%

The total cost of attendance runs about $47,185/yr, including $9,586 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $22,371.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Sterling College fund their education.

While in School

37.1%

Get Grants

Free money

48.8%

Take Loans

Must repay

$45,058

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$24,625

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$261/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Students typically graduate with $24,625 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Sterling College.

Gender

41.6%

Female

/

58%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

52%
17.5%
11.3%
9.7%
5.8%
0.6%
White
Hispanic
International
Black
Multiracial
Asian

Enrollment

538

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

24

Graduates

34.1%

First-Gen

20 yrs

Avg Age

11.5%

Age 25+

Men make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 34.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 11.3% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
Rural: Remote

Rural: Remote

Campus Quick Facts

538

Students

private

Institution

Small

Campus Size

Baccalaureate

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

Yes

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

No

Evening College

No

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

Sterling College fields 11 varsity teams with 412 student athletes, about 77% of the student body.

Division

NAIA

Division II

Conference

Kansas

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

11

Biggest: Football

Student Athletes

412

77% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

66% / 34%

271

Men

/

141

Women

8

Men's Teams

9

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
98
Football
65
Basketball
52
Soccer
46
Baseball
42
Track & XC

Every Varsity Team

Football98Basketball65Soccer52Baseball46Track & Cross Country42Volleyball33Tennis22Softball20Golf15Other Sports12Swimming7

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of Sterling Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$45,846

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$41K
6yr
$37K
8yr
$46K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

$30K

16 grads

1yr Earnings

Psychology, General

10 grads

Criminal Justice and Corrections

8 grads

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

8 grads

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other

8 grads

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

7 grads

Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $46K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sterling College

What is the acceptance rate at Sterling College?
Sterling College has an acceptance rate of 48.2%. Sterling College accepts 48.2% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1115 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
How much does Sterling College cost?
Tuition at Sterling College is $33,700 for in-state students and $33,700 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance runs about $47,185/yr, including $9,586 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $22,371.
What is the graduation rate at Sterling College?
Sterling College has a graduation rate of 41.3%. The 36% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
How much do Sterling College graduates earn?
The median earnings for Sterling College graduates is $45,846 ten years after enrollment. Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $46K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.