Continuous Semesters

Sterling is one of very few colleges to operate on a year-round basis, offering full semesters in the spring, summer and fall. There is no requirement to attend Sterling year-round, but for those who remain continually enrolled there will be no increases in tuition, room, or board.

In the continuous semester system, it’s possible to complete your undergraduate education in fewer than four years, reducing tuition, avoiding fee increases, and saving  time. Full time students can attend any two semesters or they can keep going year-round. Students can apply to begin their Sterling experience in any of the three semesters.

Operating year-round is beneficial to transfer students, who often need an extra semester or two to earn their degree on time. The summer semester also affords all students the opportunity to take classes during Vermont's beautiful summer season. The nature of Sterling’s environmentally focused curriculum and frequent outdoor classes make summer a particularly fruitful time of year.

Each semester has a week-long mid-semester break, and there is a break of several weeks between each semester. All financial aid programs, including Sterling scholarships, federal and state grants and loans, are available in all semesters. Likewise, the College’s Work Program is in effect year-round, as students earn their wages in tuition credit.

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Summer Semester