Sterling College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Sterling College admits most applicants, but its 50% freshman retention rate makes fit and readiness worth taking seriously. If you choose to submit scores, aim toward the top of the middle range, about a 1230 SAT or 23 ACT, so your testing supports the rest of your application.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Sterling College facts and stats
Sterling College is a small rural institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 670 students. Sterling College has a freshman retention rate of 50% and a 6-year graduation rate of 40%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8.9:1.
Sterling, KS
How do your scores compare at Sterling College?
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
Key Sterling College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Since Sterling College is test-optional, follow this plan only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores: take your first test by the spring of junior year, then reserve the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes that could improve a superscore. Sterling College does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, so your final fall retake should be the last test date whose scores will arrive by its Regular Decision deadline.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Sterling College?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Sterling College is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $33,700, with 65% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $5,923. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
Sterling College’s listed cost of attendance is about $43,286, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 65% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $25,826. The average merit award is $5,923, which can further reduce costs for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $25,083.
Student life at Sterling College
85% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Allen County Community College
Iola, KSAcceptance rate: 100%
Baker University
Baldwin City, KSAcceptance rate: 94.2%
ACT: 18–22
Barton County Community College
Great Bend, KSAcceptance rate: 100%
Benedictine College
Atchison, KSAcceptance rate: 98.1%
SAT: 1110–1360
ACT: 22–29
Ready to fit Sterling College's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.