Private not-for-profit
Small

Sterling College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1000 to 1230
ACT Range19 to 23
Average GPA3.35
Acceptance Rate89.2%

Sterling College admits most applicants, but its 50% freshman retention rate makes fit and readiness worth taking seriously. If you choose to submit scores, aim toward the top of the middle range, about a 1230 SAT or 23 ACT, so your testing supports the rest of your application.

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Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Sterling College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Sterling College is a small rural institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 670 students. Sterling College has a freshman retention rate of 50% and a 6-year graduation rate of 40%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8.9:1.

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Location

Sterling, KS

How do your scores compare at Sterling College?

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Key Sterling College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 15

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Since Sterling College is test-optional, follow this plan only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores: take your first test by the spring of junior year, then reserve the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes that could improve a superscore. Sterling College does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, so your final fall retake should be the last test date whose scores will arrive by its Regular Decision deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

Sterling College is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $33,700, with 65% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $5,923. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

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Sterling College’s listed cost of attendance is about $43,286, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 65% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $25,826. The average merit award is $5,923, which can further reduce costs for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $25,083.

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Student life at Sterling College

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Choral groups
Housing

85% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: Guaranteed

Men only
Women only
Greek life

No fraternity or sorority life on campus.

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