At $30,785/yr net price, Sterling College graduates earn $30,573/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,785 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $123,140 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,573/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,427/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,954/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,290/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $40,040/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,820/yr |
The Risk Factor
42.9% of students at Sterling College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Sterling College delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to recommend for most students. With median earnings of just $30,573 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $30,785 annually, you're paying more for college than you'll likely earn in your first decade after graduation.
The school's 43% graduation rate and alarming 30% retention rate create serious financial risks. Only three in ten students who start at Sterling return for their second year, and fewer than half ever graduate. If you leave without a degree, you'll still carry debt without the credentials to justify it.
Sterling's focus on environmental and outdoor education programs may appeal to your values, but these fields typically offer modest compensation that doesn't align with the college's costs. Agriculture, conservation, and outdoor recreation careers often start below $35,000, making the debt burden particularly challenging to manage.
The school works financially only for students with substantial family resources who can avoid borrowing, or those receiving significant need-based aid. With only 35% of students receiving financial aid, most families pay close to the full sticker price.
Your $23,000 median debt load appears manageable compared to national averages, but becomes problematic when paired with below-average earnings potential. The rural Vermont location limits internship and job opportunities, further constraining your post-graduation income prospects.
Look elsewhere if you need strong financial returns on your education investment. Sterling might work if you can afford to prioritize personal fulfillment over earnings, have family wealth to cover costs, or plan to pursue graduate school in a higher-paying field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sterling College worth the cost for the salary you'll make?
Sterling College graduates earn a median of $30,573 ten years after graduation, which is low compared to the $30,785 annual cost. This creates a challenging return on investment where your starting salary may barely exceed what you paid per year to attend.
What is the graduation rate at Sterling College and does it affect value?
Sterling College has a 43% graduation rate, meaning most students who start don't finish their degree. This significantly reduces the value proposition since you risk paying for college without getting the credential that justifies the cost.
How much student debt do Sterling College graduates typically have?
Sterling College graduates have a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable compared to many colleges. However, with post-graduation earnings of about $30,573, you'll still face a tight budget when loan payments begin.
Which programs at Sterling College offer the best return on investment?
Sterling College specializes in environmental and sustainability programs, which typically lead to nonprofit or government work with modest salaries. The school's focus on outdoor education and sustainable agriculture aligns more with personal mission than financial returns.