Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Sterling, Kansas
53% Acceptance Rate
Sterling College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
53%Acceptance Rate
3.46Avg GPA
1031Avg SAT
$44,836Annual Cost
$45,846Grad Salary
31.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
53%
Avg GPA
3.46
Avg SAT
1031
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
991–1061
Need-Based Aid
31.7% receive Pell
Sterling College, founded in 1887 in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, is one of America's few 'work colleges' with programs focused on ecology, sustainable agriculture, and outdoor education.
The 130-acre campus includes working organic farms, wilderness areas, and renewable energy systems. All students contribute to campus operations through the work program while studying environmental stewardship.
Sterling College Acceptance Rate
Sterling College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Sterling College is 53%. This means that 53 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 53% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.46 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.26 – 3.45
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.01
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
SC GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at SC is 3.46. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.66-3.86 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.16 and 3.46, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
SC GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at SC utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.46, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.46 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.26 – 3.45
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.06 – 3.25
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.05
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At SC, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at SC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Sterling College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Sterling College (SC) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into SC Without SAT or ACT?
Sterling College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Sterling College Average SAT Score: 1031
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Sterling College is 1031 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1031 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1031 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1061 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Sterling College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 991, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at SC. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1031 | 991 | 1061 |
It means that if you have scored less than 991 then you are below most of the admitted students at SC and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1061 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Sterling College (SC) with a 1050 SAT?
With a 1050 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Sterling College (SC) are good but the admission staff at SC tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for SC
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
SC is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Consistency over Perfection
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Placement Validation
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Practical Leadership
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
FAFSA & Deadlines
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at SC to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
SC Profile
Full Name
Sterling College (SC)
City
Sterling
State
Kansas
ZIP Code
67579
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a SC Degree Worth It?
Getting into SC can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. SC offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at SC is $58,000 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.07%.
How much does a degree from SC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Sterling College is $44,836. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Sterling College is much less than this.
31.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 49.7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Sterling College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SC as your choice in the form.
How much does a SC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $45,846. An average SC graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Sterling College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1014 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO | 1005 | 22 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Trinity Baptist College | Jacksonville, FL | 1007 | 20 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | 994 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Sterling College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| Thomas University | Thomasville, GA | 1037 | 21 |
| Valdosta State University | Valdosta, GA | 1037 | 20 |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo | Hilo, HI | 1025 | 19 |
| Greenville University | Greenville, IL | 1034 | 19 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Sterling College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
Degree Programs at SC
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Sterling College →
Frequently Asked Questions About SC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $45,846 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $44,836 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
31.7% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Sterling College is 53% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.46. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.16, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.16, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.06 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.46, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Sterling College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1031 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 991–1061.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.