Sterling Acceptance Rate

Sterling College, a small liberal arts institution, has a notably selective admissions process for its undergraduate programs. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), the college reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 38.5%, reflecting a competitive applicant pool. Factors influencing this selectivity include a growing number of applications in recent years, driven by the college's reputation for sustainability-focused education, as well as its small class sizes that limit available spots. While Sterling College does publish some admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, specific breakdowns for certain categories may not always be publicly available, requiring estimates based on historical data.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 38.5% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 1,200 applicants and 462 admitted students, indicating a steady level of competitiveness compared to the previous year.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the most recent cycle. Based on historical trends, it is estimated at around 45.0%, as early applicants often demonstrate stronger interest and preparedness.
• International Student Rate: Specific figures are not published for this cycle. Using regional norms for small liberal arts colleges, the rate is estimated at 30.0%, reflecting additional scrutiny in admissions for international candidates.

Over the past few years, Sterling College’s acceptance rates have shown a trend of increasing competitiveness, with a slight decline in the overall rate from 41.2% five years ago to 38.5% today. This shift is partly due to a rise in applications, particularly through early action programs, which often yield higher acceptance rates but bind a significant portion of the incoming class. International student admissions remain a smaller but growing segment, with selectivity influenced by visa regulations and academic prerequisites. Compared to peer institutions like other small liberal arts colleges in the Northeast, Sterling’s selectivity is moderate—less rigorous than elite schools but more competitive than larger regional universities. Prospective students are encouraged to explore detailed statistics via the college’s official admissions page at sterlingcollege.edu for the most current data.