Skip to content

Sterling College vs Vermont State University

Sterling College is a private college in Craftsbury Common, VT, and Vermont State University is a public university in Randolph, VT. Sterling College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 67% of applicants against 82% at Vermont State University. Vermont State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,212 a year against $21,854 at Sterling College. About 48% of students graduate at Vermont State University, compared with 38% at Sterling College. Ten years after enrolling, Vermont State University alumni earn a median of about $50,331, against $30,573 for Sterling College.

Sterling College

Craftsbury Common, VT · Private

Vermont State University

Randolph, VT · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Craftsbury Common, VT
Randolph, VT
Setting
Rural
Rural
Undergraduates
50
3,590
Acceptance rate
67%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.33–3.83
SAT (middle 50%)
1000–1230
1000–1199
ACT (middle 50%)
19–23
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,854
$18,212
Full cost / yr
$54,410
$25,988
In-state tuition
$40,760
$11,952
Out-of-state tuition
$40,760
$22,296
Application fee
Not reported
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,533
$14,645
$30k - $48k
$17,655
$12,998
$48k - $75k
$24,564
$16,279
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$20,668
Over $110k
Not reported
$24,007
Outcomes
Graduation rate
38%
48%
Freshman retention
86%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$27,109
$41,340
Median earnings (10 yr)
$30,573
$50,331
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
34%
First-generation students
Not reported
38%
International students
4%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Sterling College or Vermont State University harder to get into?
Sterling College is harder to get into. It admits about 67% of applicants, compared with 82% at Vermont State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Sterling College or Vermont State University?
Vermont State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,212 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,854 at Sterling College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Sterling College and Vermont State University?
Before aid, Vermont State University costs about $25,988 a year and Sterling College about $54,410. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Sterling College or Vermont State University?
Vermont State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,645 there, against about $18,533 at Sterling College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Sterling College or Vermont State University?
Vermont State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,590 undergraduates against 50 at Sterling College.
Does Sterling College or Vermont State University have a better graduation rate?
Vermont State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 48% against 38% at Sterling College.
Do graduates of Sterling College or Vermont State University earn more?
Vermont State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $50,331 ten years after enrolling, against about $30,573 for Sterling College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Sterling College and Vermont State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Sterling College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Vermont State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Sterling College and Vermont State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1000–1230 at Sterling College and 1000–1199 at Vermont State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school