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 is a financial gamble, and the numbers say so plainly. You'll pay a net price near $22,400 a year, but a 29% graduation rate means most people who enroll never finish. If you're one of them, you leave with debt and no degree to pay it off. That's the core risk here, and it's a big one.
The earnings picture backs up the caution. Ten years out, the median graduate earns under $46,000. Two of the three top programs by earnings here,Health and Physical Education and Psychology,land under $30,000. Those degrees don't cover the debt load you take on, and Psychology in particular is a national dead-end at the bachelor level without graduate school. Teacher Education pays the most of the listed programs at about $36,700, which fits a rural Kansas job market where school districts hire steadily, but it's still a modest salary against your costs.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you'll pay around $18,000. above $110,000, closer to $26,000. The gap is real but not large, so higher-income families get little discount for the weak completion and earnings outcomes.
Sterling makes financial sense for you if you're set on teaching in Kansas, you qualify for the lower price tiers, and you're confident you'll finish. The 59% retention rate says four in ten don't come back after year one, so be honest about your odds. If you're chasing a psychology or fitness degree hoping for strong pay, or you'd be borrowing heavily at the top price tier, look elsewhere. The median debt of about $24,600 is manageable only if you graduate into a job that clears it, and most programs here won't.
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.