Sterling College
Craftsbury Common, VT · Private Nonprofit
*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →
What is Sterling College's acceptance rate?
Down 1 percentage points since 2018
With a 92.3% acceptance rate, Sterling College is considered accessible. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.
How many students apply to Sterling College?
Sterling College received 52 applications in 2023, down 13% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.
How many admitted students enroll?
The yield rate of 15% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.
What are the most popular majors at Sterling College?
Agricultural Production Operations leads as the most popular major at Sterling College. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.
How have majors changed over time?
Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023
How has tuition changed at Sterling College?
Tuition has increased by 37% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 32% from $37,642 to $49,600.
Sterling College Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)
Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.
| Year | Applicants | Admitted | Rate | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 52 | 48 | 92.3% | 14.6% |
| 2022 | 28 | 26 | 92.9% | 38.5% |
| 2021 | 41 | 41 | 100.0% | 41.5% |
| 2020 | 46 | 44 | 95.7% | 34.1% |
| 2019 | 87 | 75 | 86.2% | 32.0% |
| 2018 | 60 | 56 | 93.3% | 35.7% |
| 2017 | 70 | 66 | 94.3% | 42.4% |
| 2016 | 73 | 70 | 95.9% | 42.9% |
| 2015 | 105 | 73 | 69.5% | 31.5% |
Is Sterling College worth it?
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What do Sterling College graduates earn?
How much does Sterling College cost?
The total cost of attendance at Sterling College is approximately $49,600 per year. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.
What You'll Actually Pay
Low-income families may pay nothing—or even receive money back for expenses. Sterling College meets full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. This means your admission decision is need-blind, and the school commits to making attendance affordable. File the FAFSA and CSS Profile early to maximize your aid package.
What are the top majors?
- 1 Agricultural Production Operations
- 2 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- 3 Outdoor Education
- 4 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Which majors pay the most?
- Outdoor Education N/A
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities N/A
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology N/A
- Agricultural Production Operations N/A
Who attends Sterling College?
Sterling College enrolls 78 students, with 5% from outside the United States. Women make up 54% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.
How much financial aid is available?
87% of students receive some form of financial aid at Sterling College. About 35% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.