Work College

Hard Work in Support of our Community

Sterling College is one of only ten colleges recognized by the federal government as a Work College and the only work college in the Northeast. It doesn’t matter what your financial aid award is; every resident student puts their shoulder to the wheel and does the essential work to keep the campus going.

Through work experiences, you’ll learn about group dynamics, the needs of a community, and the intentional use of resources. At Sterling, the community depends on the work of students, and the campus is a laboratory for gaining insight into the role of the individual in the health and welfare of the community. The Work Program emphasizes the development of key competencies including:

• • Accountability
  • Professionalism
  • Time management
  • Resourcefulness
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership

And you’re paid for your work, too—through your work program position, you will get a minimum of $1680 in tuition credit each semester for 80 hours of work, which goes towards reducing your college costs. And it’s possible to earn more: as you build skills, there are higher-paying leadership positions available on campus.

That $1680 credit toward your college cost goes a long way: because Sterling’s a Work College, your work goes toward reducing our overhead, which means our tuition is lower than other colleges and universities. How much less? 20% less than other private New England colleges. 

Whether you take a position in the Kitchen, on the Farm, in the Library, Marketing Department, or Trail Crew (to name a few options!) you’ll gain invaluable work experience in a nurturing and supportive atmosphere. Better yet, you’ll leave college with a diverse résumé!