For Prospective
Students

Admissions
Majors & Requirements
Student Life
Financial Aid
The Work College Program
The Career Resource Center
Internship Program
Global Field Studies
Senior Applied Research
Project—SARP

We make every effort to ensure that financial concerns do not stand in the way of those pursuing a Sterling College education. The combination of funds from federal and state assistance programs, Sterling’s grant and scholarship funds, the Work Program, and a student’s personal resources works effectively to meet costs. Sterling College uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ) and the Sterling College Application for Financial Aid to determine a student’s financial need and to measure the student’s ability to pay. Our federal code (step six on the FAFSA) is 014991. Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds are used.

Applicants may qualify for up to six federal aid programs: Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Stafford Loans (subsidized or unsubsidized), PLUS Loans, and Work-Study and the Work College Program. Some candidates are eligible for state grants, Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits, or Veteran’s Administration Benefits. Sterling College provides grants and scholarships to individuals on the basis of both need and merit.

Did you know that...

100% of the College’s students are eligible to receive financial assistance
through the Work College Program.

100% of the students determined to have need receive financial assistance.

For the 2004/2005 academic year 91 enrolled students received a total of
$959,201 of aid (includes grants, subsidized loans, and work).

For all eligible full-time enrolled students, the average Sterling College Aid
Package plus the expected family contribution represents 91% of direct costs.

For the 2004/2005 academic year the average full-time undergraduate need-
based gift award (based on federal, state, and institutional grants) was
$10,681.

We try to keep loans manageable by not requiring juniors and seniors to
borrow maximum loan amounts. For example, for the 2004/2005 year the
average Stafford loan for all eligible enrolled students was only $3,502, while
the allowable maximum average is $4,280 over four years.

Resident students receive credit toward tuition and books in exchange for participation in the Sterling College Work Program. This federally funded program assists with the reduction of college costs. For the 2005/2006 academic year, students may earn a minimum of $1,400 to help pay for tuition and books. In exchange, students commit to work assignments on and off campus that promote the common good of the community and strengthen job related skills. Second-year students on internship are eligible to earn an additional $500.

Your education is an investment in your future. For more information regarding Financial Aid, how eligibility is determined, and how financial aid is disbursed, please contact the Sterling College Financial Aid Office at 800-648-3591.

Sterling College Grants
Grants ranging from $500-$9,500 are awarded each year of attendance based on need as determined by the FAFSA and the Sterling College Application for Financial Aid. Sterling College Grants for off campus students may differ.

Sterling College Scholarships
The Environmental Steward Scholarship–Award covers the annual cost of tuition.
Awarded to high school students, graduates, transfer students and/or home schooled students who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to an environmentally minded cause or activity. Two Environmental Steward Scholarships will be awarded each fall. There are specific application requirements for this scholarship. Please click here for more details.

The Presidential Scholarship–Award ranges from $1,000-$5,000.
Awarded to high school students and graduates and home-schoolers who have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or scored in the top 20th percentile on their GED; have pursued an activity in an environmental field; and describe their passion for the environment in their application essays. No application required.

The Achievement Scholarship–Maximum award is $1,500.
Awarded to any first-time student who has been involved in service to his/her community, school, or environment or has demonstrated significant life achievement. No application required.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) Scholarship–$1,000
A one-time award to alumni of the Student Conservation Association (SCA) who meet the criteria for admissions to Sterling College. This award recognizes the valuable and important service performed by alumni of the Student Conservation Association. No application required.

The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps Scholarship–$1,000
A one-time award to alumni of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) who meet the criteria for admissions to Sterling College. This award recognizes the valuable and important service and contributions to the state of Vermont performed by alumni of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. The VYCC is a non-profit service, conservation, and education organization. Each year, the VYCC hires over 300 young people between the ages of 16 and 24 to manage State Parks, build trails, restore rivers and streams, and improve community greenspaces. No application required.

The Transfer Scholarship–$500-$1,000
A one-time award to students who transfer at least 12 credits and have maintained a minimum gpa of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. This scholarship is designed to recognize a transfer student’s prior academic achievement and to alleviate the costs incurred during the transfer process. Students who enter in the fall and continue for the spring semester receive $1,000 for the academic year, while students entering in spring receive a $500 award. No application required.

The Bounder Scholarship–Maximum award is $500.
An annual award to students who live west of the Mississippi River or in the Deep South. The amount given will be related to distance from Sterling College. No application required.

The Vermont Scholarship –$500
An annual award to students who are residents of the state of Vermont. No application required.

AmeriCorps Scholarship/Sterling College Matching Award
Prior to enrollment, AmeriCorps scholarship recipients should notify Admissions of their intent to use AmeriCorps funds at Sterling College. Students qualifying for federal financial aid will receive a $1,000 match per academic year. Students not eligible for federal financial aid will receive a $500 match per academic year. AmeriCorps scholarship funds exceeding the matching amount may be applied towards tuition, room, board, and books. For more information, contact Admissions. No application required.

College Costs
Standard Charges For 2005-2006

Each student is responsible for purchasing textbooks, program supplies, and personal items. Some courses involving individual projects may require purchase of additional supplies. Additional lab fees are required for Global Field Studies.

Global Field Study Costs
Global Field Studies include additional costs. Amounts vary each year based on location, travel, accommodations, and number of students. Following are costs from past field Studies. Fees for future years will vary.