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 is a financial gamble. You'll pay a net price of $30,785 a year, but median earnings ten years out land at $30,573 , meaning a full year of work barely covers one year of what you paid to attend. That gap is the core problem here, and it doesn't close easily.
The retention rate is the loudest warning. Only 30% of students come back after their first year, and just 43% graduate. If you leave without a degree, you keep the debt and lose the credential that was supposed to justify it. That risk falls on you before earnings ever enter the picture.
Sterling's focus is environmental and sustainability-oriented work , farming, ecology, outdoor education. These are fields you may care deeply about, but they pay modestly, and the earnings data reflect that. No program here points to a strong salary payoff. If your goal is to earn back what you spend, the numbers don't support it.
The net price tiers are worth reading closely. If your family earns $30-48k, you pay about $13,954 , less than half the sticker price. But the $48-75k tier jumps to $32,290, and the $75-110k tier hits $40,040, actually higher than what the wealthiest families pay. Middle-income families get squeezed hardest here.
Sterling is a fit if you're committed to hands-on environmental work, qualify for the lowest income tier, and value the education for reasons beyond salary. If you're borrowing heavily, sitting in the $48-110k income range, or counting on the degree to raise your income, look elsewhere. The $23,000 median debt is manageable only if you finish , and most students don't.
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.