Campus Identity
Sterling College is a small private nonprofit university in Sterling, KS. Approximately 538 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 48% acceptance rate. Kanopolis Lake is about 29 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 50/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Sterling College is a small private nonprofit university in Sterling, KS. Approximately 538 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 48% acceptance rate. Kanopolis Lake is about 29 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 50/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Campus Lifestyle
Sterling College is a under 1,000, rural school with NAIA athletics. The campus is 194 miles from Snow Creek Ski Area.
Athletics
NAIA
KCAC
School Size & Setting
Under 1,000
Rural setting
Weather
Warm Climate
48°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Sterling College students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Snow Creek Ski Area, 194 miles away with 6 lifts and 30 skiable acres. All are within 379 miles of campus.
Missouri
South Dakota
Nearby Lake
Kanopolis Lake is 29 miles from campus, giving Sterling College students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Kanopolis Lake
Lake access within 28.8 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Sterling, KS
Sterling has a mild climate, with winters averaging 31°F in Jan and summers peaking around 81°F in Jul.
Station: STERLING · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Sterling College in KS earns a composite safety score of 50/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $33,700 |
| Fees | $1,500 |
| Room & Board | $9,961 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $45,161 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
43 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sterling College located?
Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS. The main campus address is 125 W. Cooper, Sterling, KS. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Sterling College?
Sterling College has an acceptance rate of 48%, making it selective. Out of 820 applicants, 395 were admitted in the most recent year. 538 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Sterling College?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Sterling College scored between ? and ? on the ACT, with a median of 22. About 1% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Sterling College?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Sterling College charges $33,700/year in tuition. Including room and board ($9,961/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $28,500/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $22,371/year — what students actually pay. Use Sterling College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Does Sterling College have college sports?
Yes — Sterling College competes at the NAIA level in the KCAC. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.
Is Sterling College the right fit for me?
Whether Sterling College is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (48% admit rate), avg net price ($22,371/year after aid), campus culture in Sterling, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Sterling College against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Sterling College directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Sterling, KS
- Size
- Under 1,000
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's
- NCAA
- NAIA
- Conference
- KCAC
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 48°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 50/100
- Nearest Airport
- Hutchinson, KS (HUT) · 22 mialso SLN (50 mi), RSL (56 mi)
Location
Sterling, KS