At $22,403/yr net price, Sterling College graduates earn $45,846/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,846/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,403 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $89,612 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,846/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,846/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,625 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,043/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,530/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,760/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,757/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,938/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,745 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $25,833 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
29.0% of students at Sterling College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Sterling College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. Your median earnings of $45,846 after ten years barely justify the $22,403 annual net price, especially when only 29% of students actually graduate.
The earnings picture gets worse when you examine specific programs. Teacher education graduates earn just $36,745, which creates serious debt-to-income problems given Kansas teaching salaries. Health and physical education majors face even tougher math with $29,685 earnings against $25,833 in debt. Psychology graduates earn the same low amount, making these programs poor financial choices unless you plan extensive graduate study.
Sterling's biggest risk is its abysmal completion rate. With seven out of ten students failing to graduate, you face high odds of carrying debt without a degree. The 59% retention rate signals many students recognize the mismatch between cost and value early on.
This school works financially only if you receive substantial merit aid that drives your net price below $15,000. The 32% of students receiving aid suggests Sterling offers decent financial assistance, but you need to secure significant discounts to make the numbers work. Students from wealthy families who can pay without borrowing face less risk, though better options exist at this price point.
Look elsewhere unless Sterling offers you strong aid or you have specific reasons for choosing this small Kansas college. The combination of high dropout rates, low graduate earnings, and modest starting salaries creates poor ROI for typical students paying full freight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sterling College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Sterling College graduates earn a median of $45,846 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $22,403 annually and median debt of $24,625, the return on investment is modest but manageable for most programs.
What are the best paying majors at Sterling College?
Teacher Education graduates from Sterling College earn around $36,745 annually, making it the highest-paying program at the school. Health and Physical Education and Psychology graduates both earn around $29,685, which is below national averages for these fields.
How much student debt do Sterling College graduates typically have?
Sterling College graduates have a median debt of $24,625, which is relatively manageable compared to many private colleges. However, the low graduation rate of 29% means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Should I attend Sterling College if I'm concerned about finding a job after graduation?
Sterling College has a concerning 29% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their degree. The school's career outcomes are below average, so students should carefully consider their program choice and have a clear plan for completing their studies.