Introduction to Sterling

Sterling College is a small, progressive, liberal arts college in northern Vermont, in the heart of a rural region called the Northeast Kingdom. Sterling is unique in many ways, among them our small size, our environmental focus, and our commitment to grassroots sustainability.

Sterling is also a year-round college, conducting three full semesters - fall, spring, and summer. Sterling students can begin in any semester, take any semester off, and still maintain full-time status. Many students go to school year-round and have the opportunity to graduate in fewer than four years.

Academics at Sterling combine theory and practice to prepare students for careers that require both a college education and direct experience. Frequent field trips and hands-on learning opportunities balance and inform traditional classroom academics. Ninety percent of Sterling graduates find jobs or enter graduate school within six months of graduation, and the overwhelming majority of graduates choose careers that relate to their area of study.

Sterling is one of only seven Work-Learning-Service colleges in the nation. Those three words - Work-Learning-Service - define how Sterling views the world, how we judge ourselves, and how we wish to be judged by others. All students work on campus, earning a portion of their tuition fees while serving the community.

When asked why they chose Sterling, most students talk about the importance of community. We believe that a strong and supportive community is an essential foundation for sustainability, and we strive to prioritize community in everything we do. The other thing students mention is the superb food - our dining hall serves the most delicious meals you will ever find on a college campus.

Our Admissions Team welcomes your inquiries. Please take a moment to introduce yourself, and if you can, we encourage you to come to Craftsbury Common, Vermont, and experience Sterling College for yourself.