About Sterling College
Students pay an average net price of $22,403 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $32,200. Graduates earn a median of $45,846 ten years after leaving, though the 29% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. Those who do graduate typically carry $24,625 in debt with monthly payments around $261. The financial picture works better for lower-income families, who pay just $18,043 net price on average.
Athletics dominate campus life with 406 student-athletes competing across 18 varsity sports. That means more than 70% of students suit up for the Warriors, creating an unusually sports-focused culture for such a small school. The college awards $3.6 million in athletic scholarships annually. Men outnumber women 60% to 40%, and three-quarters of students come from outside Kansas seeking this distinctive prairie college experience.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 31.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 29.0%
- Retention Rate
- 58.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,846
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,745 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
Campus Life
Kansas winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while summers bring scorching heat that sends students to the air-conditioned student center. With 74% of students coming from out of state, weekends revolve around campus activities and Warriors athletics. The college fields 18 varsity sports with 406 total athletes, meaning nearly three-quarters of students compete at some level.
Chapel services and campus ministries anchor weekly routines at this Christian liberal arts college. Students often drive 30 minutes to Hutchinson for chain restaurants and shopping, but most social life happens on campus through residence hall programming and campus organizations. The rural setting creates an isolated but close community where everyone knows everyone.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 635 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–42°F
- July Avg
- 68°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 29.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 11.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 59.8%
- Women
- 40.3%
- White
- 63.8%
- Black
- 11.1%
- Hispanic
- 5.6%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 26.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.7%
Location
- Address
- Sterling, Kansas 67579
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,846
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,147
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $261/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,625
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Sterling College?
Sterling College accepts 61.1% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. The average SAT score is 1031, reflecting the college's focus on providing opportunities for students across a range of academic backgrounds. This Presbyterian liberal arts college emphasizes personal attention over selectivity.
How much does Sterling College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Sterling College is $22,403, lower than the full tuition of $32,200. About 32% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides institutional grants averaging $19,729 to 36% of students. The school works to make its Christian liberal arts education accessible to families across income levels.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Sterling College?
Sterling College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 569 total students. This small size allows for close mentoring relationships that align with the college's emphasis on personal development and Christian values. The intimate setting means professors know students by name and can provide individualized attention.
What are the graduation rates at Sterling College?
Sterling College has a 32% four-year graduation rate and 29% six-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,846 ten years after enrollment, with a 93.1% employment rate. The retention rate of 59% reflects challenges common to small rural colleges, though those who stay benefit from the tight-knit community.
Where is Sterling College located and what is campus life like?
Sterling College sits in rural Sterling, Kansas, with housing capacity for 635 students. The campus draws students from across the country, with only 26% coming from Kansas. The rural setting fosters a close community where the 18 varsity sports teams and 406 student-athletes play a central role in campus culture.
How strong is athletics at Sterling College?
Sterling College awards $3.6 million in athletic scholarships across 18 varsity sports competing in the NJCAA. With 406 student-athletes out of 569 total students, athletics touches most of campus life. The Warriors compete at the junior college level, providing opportunities for students to continue their athletic careers while pursuing their education.
