Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Private Nonprofit4-year

Sterling College

Sterling, Kansas Β· Rural: RemoteOfficial Website β†—

#3528
Nationally
#52
In Kansas
53%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$30,000
Annual Tuition
per year
29%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
680
Undergrad Enrollment
Under 1,000
Overall Score & Rankings
44/100
Average
#3528 nationally
#52 in Kansas
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes29
πŸ’°Affordability59
🎯Selectivity37
πŸ“šAcademic Environment50
πŸ”¬Program Breadth52

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Sterling College is a private nonprofit four-year university located in Sterling, Kansas. With 680 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 53%, the institution is considered moderately selective. Annual tuition is $30,000, significantly below average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $20,617 after grants and scholarships β€” reflecting aid availability at the institution. The six-year graduation rate is 29%, which is below average compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate53%↑ Above avg
National avg: 70%
826
Applied
438
Admitted
142
Enrolled
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual Tuition$30,000/yr
Room & Board$10,772/yr
Total Cost of Attendance$42,972/yr
Tuition vs National Avg$30,000↑ Above avg
National avg: $38,768
Net Price After Aid by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income

$0 – $30,000$20,617
$30,001 – $48,000$21,140
$48,001 – $75,000$22,373
$75,001 – $110,000$25,081
Over $110,000$26,243
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate29%↓ Below avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
680
Total Undergrads
42% F / 58% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 67%
Hispanic 5%
Black 10%
Asian 0%
Two or more 8%
International 7%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($30,000/yr) is well below the national average for private nonprofit colleges
  • βœ“Small campus environment (680 students) β€” more personal attention and close-knit community
Consider
  • Β·Net price for families earning under $30K is $20,617/yr β€” explore all aid options before applying
  • Β·Graduation rate of 29% is below the national average β€” research completion support services
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students who prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPrivate Nonprofit
LocationSterling, Kansas
SettingRural: Remote
SizeUnder 1,000
Affordability Spotlight
$20,617
avg net price/yr for families earning under $30K

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships β€” not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.

State Ranking
#52
in Kansas out of 7+ colleges
#3528
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.