Financial Aid
At Sterling, we do everything we can to help you afford college.
We work with every student and their family individually to develop a financial aid plan that minimizes the stress on students and their support networks. At Sterling, we strive to cultivate sustainable farmers, storytellers, builders, field practitioners, and other doers. We know that if a student hopes to pursue one of these important roles, they can’t leave college with a farm’s worth of debt and be successful.
At Sterling, we look at aid packages with multiple lenses. We automatically review the financial aid application of every accepted student, scouring academic and work histories and then applying merit-based and experience-based awards and scholarships. No additional applications are required for merit and experience-based scholarships. Additional grants and matches may be available if you’ve participated in Americorps, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, or Kroka Expeditions.
Next, Sterling applies a need-based aid lens for accepted students based on the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. We explore where else you might find assistance to help pay for college and if you might qualify for federal money, like a Pell Grant.
Next, we try to meet a student’s remaining needs with a Sterling Grant, our ongoing investment in keeping education attainable and affordable made possible by generous donors. If a student still has unmet financial needs, we assist them in exploring other grants and loans.
Every financial aid package is personal. We spend the time to help students and their support networks understand the financials and any additional action steps that may be required. Our goal is to develop a financial aid package together with the student and their family, so that all enthusiastically sign off once the plan is complete.
At Sterling, transfer students receive the same financial aid consideration as first-year students, with awards based on merit and need. Sterling is generous with credit transfers. We aim to support transfer students in successfully completing a degree, and we work with transfer students to make attaining a degree financially viable.
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Merit-Based Scholarships
Sterling College celebrates excellence by granting merit scholarships to outstanding first-year and transfer students. No extra effort is necessary; these rewards come as a just recognition for their demonstrated commitment, hard work, and achievements!
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Need-Based Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for all U.S. residents who want to be considered for need-based financial aid. The FAFSA determines eligibility for state and federal financial aid. We also use information from the FAFSA to award need-based Sterling College grants. The FAFSA code for Sterling College is 014991.
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Work College
We are only one of ten Work Colleges in the nation. All students are expected to contribute 80 hours each semester in a job that fits their skillset, allowing them to gain experience and build their resume. Whether it's farming or office work at local nonprofits, these jobs provide hands-on training while helping pay tuition costs for all scholars – regardless of financial aid status. A true win-win situation benefiting both student and community!
At Sterling College, we recognize the importance of affordability and making sure our students are not burdened with debt as they pursue their dreams. Our process for awarding financial aid is based on individual circumstances rather than standardized tests or numerical measures. We highly suggest speaking to Barb Stuart, our Director of Financial Aid, if you'd like a more detailed look at your potential aid award from us.