Is Sterling College a Christian college?

Yes. Sterling College is a Christian college.

What is Sterling College’s Compass Score?

72 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Where is chapel held at Sterling College?

Chapel is listed at Culbertson Auditorium and Spencer Hall. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

Christian college

#12 Most selective Christian colleges in America

Sterling College

Sterling, KS · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Other Protestant

Real cost

Average price after aid $22,371 a year

Median debt at graduation: $24,625 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Sterling College is a four-year Christian college in Sterling, Kansas. Chapel meets on a published weekly schedule, led by a campus pastor and a student worship team, and students must earn chapel credit each semester. Three Bible and theology courses are required of all undergraduates, and the 2026-27 catalog describes faith and learning as integrated across the college.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

“Sterling College's chapel services create an environment where students can encounter and develop a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.”
Source: sterling.edu
“Sterling College believes outreach is a core component of Christ-centered servant leadership.”
Source: sterling.edu
“Scripture calls us to participate in God's mission, as we see through the Great Commission.”
Source: sterling.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Chapel is offered about 30 times each semester, and students living on campus must earn 18 attendance credits.

Source: sterling.edu

Where do I find community?

Many opportunities for Bible studies, worship team, prayer and fellowship are found on campus.

Source: sterling.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Through short-term mission trips, students can serve in local churches, nonprofits and humanitarian efforts.

Source: sterling.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Academic Excellence

B-

49 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score41%
First-year retention 20% of score50%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreNot reported
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score8 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$6,665

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Worship and chapel

60 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found

Partly:
Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Two chapel times each week on the 2026-27 chapel schedule: Wednesdays and Fridays (the Friday session is listed as Men's and Women's Ministry Meetings). Recorded at 'most' because the catalog lists both.)
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Chapel Schedule | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Culbertson Auditorium, Spencer Hall Fridays: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Ministry Meetings”
  Chapel is scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m., in Culbertson Auditorium (Wednesday).
  “typically provides around 30 chapels and three convocations each semester.”
  The college typically holds around 30 chapels each semester.
Yes:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Students living on campus must earn 18 chapel attendance credits per full-time semester.)
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog (PDF) | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students living on campus must earn 18 attendance credits per semester.”
  Students living on campus must earn 18 chapel attendance credits each semester.
Partly:
Student worship nights or praise servicesNow and then
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook (revised 8-4-26) | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/Sterling%20College%20Student%20Life%20-%20Student%20Handbook%20-%20revised%20-%208-4-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “We run many different things on campus such as worship nights, Testimony nights, sport-oriented game nights and many other types of events.”
  The Fellowship of Christian Athletes club runs worship nights on campus.
Partly:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Now and then (Prayer is listed among many opportunities.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook (revised 8-4-26) | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/Sterling%20College%20Student%20Life%20-%20Student%20Handbook%20-%20revised%20-%208-4-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Many opportunities for Bible studies, worship team, prayer, fellowship, and service are found on campus.”
  Prayer and Bible study opportunities are offered on campus.
Yes:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
Sources (2)
1. Spiritual Life | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Sterling College's chapel services create an environment where students can encounter and develop a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. The Chapel worship services are led by our Campus Pastor, Jose Carrillo, alongside our student-led worship team and various guest speakers.”
  Chapel services are led by the Campus Pastor and a student worship team.
2. Student Handbook (revised 8-4-26), Chapel Requirements | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/Sterling%20College%20Student%20Life%20-%20Student%20Handbook%20-%20revised%20-%208-4-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Campus Pastor’s office is responsible for Chapel/Convocation record-keeping.”
  The Campus Pastor's office keeps chapel attendance records.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes (Chapel is held in Culbertson Auditorium, Spencer Hall.)
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Chapel Schedule | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Culbertson Auditorium, Spencer Hall Fridays: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Ministry Meetings”
  Chapel is scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m., in Culbertson Auditorium (Wednesday).
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (2 weekly times documented: 2 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Bible and theology

100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

Yes:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Three required courses for all bachelor's students: TM102 Intro to Old Testament, TM103 Intro to New Testament and TM366 Basic Christian Doctrine (2026-27 catalog, general education). The Homiletics and Oral Interpretation options are not Bible or theology requirements for all students. Counted once here and not under T3.)
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, General Education | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “TM102 Intro to Old Testament (C- minimum) 3 credits”
  Introduction to the Old Testament (TM102) is a required general education course.
  “TM103 Intro to New Testament (C- minimum) 3 credits”
  Introduction to the New Testament (TM103) is a required general education course.
  “TM366 Basic Christian Doctrine 3 credits”
  Basic Christian Doctrine (TM366) is a required general education course.
Yes:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Both Old Testament and New Testament introductions are required of all students (TM102 and TM103; the TM171-174 options apply to theology and ministry majors).)
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, General Education | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “TM102 Intro to Old Testament (C- minimum) 3 credits”
  Introduction to the Old Testament (TM102) is a required general education course.
  “TM103 Intro to New Testament (C- minimum) 3 credits”
  Introduction to the New Testament (TM103) is a required general education course.
Not enough information:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (Stated in the catalog's institutional description, not a separate faculty policy.)
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Institutional Description | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Its faculty and staff are believing Christians who strive to combine the concepts of faith and learning in their lives and in the classroom.”
  The catalog says faculty and staff seek to combine faith and learning in the classroom.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Biblical Studies Major | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The major in Biblical Studies seeks to provide a broad-based understanding of biblical concepts.”
  A Biblical Studies (BA) major is offered.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes
Sources (1)
1. What We Believe | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/about/what-we-believe · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The board, faculty, administration and staff possess an active and visible Christian faith which”
  The college publishes a Statement of Faith.

N/A

Christian community

Not enough information · 3 of 7 found

Partly:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (One named spiritual life staff member (the Campus Pastor). Other ministry leaders are not namedfound.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Sterling College's chapel services create an environment where students can encounter and develop a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. The Chapel worship services are led by our Campus Pastor, Jose Carrillo, alongside our student-led worship team and various guest speakers.”
  Chapel services are led by the Campus Pastor and a student worship team.
Not enough information:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Seven named campus ministries and the FCA club are listed.)
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministries | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/student-life/campus-ministries-0 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Finding Christian community is very important to us. Below are some of the campus ministries where students can connect and grow in their faith:”
  The college lists seven campus ministries: Marriage Ministry, FCA, Verses for God, Bearing Fruit, The Table, Discipleship Ministry and Supply Preaching Ministry.
Not enough information:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook (revised 8-4-26) | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/Sterling%20College%20Student%20Life%20-%20Student%20Handbook%20-%20revised%20-%208-4-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The student is to reach out to the Office of Spiritual Life if the chapel credits are not attained prior to the end of the semester.”
  The college has an Office of Spiritual Life that supports students on chapel requirements.
  “The Campus Pastor’s office is responsible for Chapel/Convocation record-keeping.”
  The Campus Pastor's office keeps chapel attendance records.

Missions and service

78 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes
Sources (2)
1. Spiritual Life | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Sterling College believes outreach is a core component of Christ-centered servant leadership. Love Sterling encourages students to actively serve alongside members of the Sterling community.”
  The Love Sterling program encourages students to serve the Sterling community.
2. Student Handbook (revised 8-4-26), Campus Directory | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/Sterling%20College%20Student%20Life%20-%20Student%20Handbook%20-%20revised%20-%208-4-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Missions Student Life Student Union 620-278-4232”
  A Missions office is run by Student Life.
Yes:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumRequired of all students (Each major includes a required service project.)
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Academic Majors | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Each major will include a required service project and a required creative product.”
  Every major includes a required service project.
Partly:
Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Short-term missions trips are offered, typically during spring break and early May.)
Sources (3)
1. Spiritual Life | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Through our short-term mission trips, Sterling College students have the opportunity to serve in a variety of contexts, including local churches, nonprofit organizations and humanitarian efforts.”
  Mission trips let students serve in local churches, nonprofit organizations and humanitarian efforts.
2. Student Handbook (revised 8-4-26) | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/Sterling%20College%20Student%20Life%20-%20Student%20Handbook%20-%20revised%20-%208-4-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The student can also participate in our short-term international and domestic mission trips throughout the year.”
  Short-term international and domestic mission trips are available to students.
3. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Short-Term Missions | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “We typically travel during spring break and in early May.”
  Short-term mission trips typically travel during spring break and early May.
Partly:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome (Students may serve with local churches and nonprofit organizations through the mission program.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Through our short-term mission trips, Sterling College students have the opportunity to serve in a variety of contexts, including local churches, nonprofit organizations and humanitarian efforts.”
  Mission trips let students serve in local churches, nonprofit organizations and humanitarian efforts.
Partly:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome (Short-term international mission trips are offered.)
Sources (2)
1. Spiritual Life | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Through our short-term mission trips, Sterling College students have the opportunity to serve in a variety of contexts, including local churches, nonprofit organizations and humanitarian efforts.”
  Mission trips let students serve in local churches, nonprofit organizations and humanitarian efforts.
2. Student Handbook (revised 8-4-26) | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/Sterling%20College%20Student%20Life%20-%20Student%20Handbook%20-%20revised%20-%208-4-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The student can also participate in our short-term international and domestic mission trips throughout the year.”
  Short-term international and domestic mission trips are available to students.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Scripture calls us to participate in God's mission, as we see through the Great Commission.”
  The mission program is rooted in the Great Commission and biblical missions.

Strengths

Chapel is on the published schedule twice a week, with a student worship team and a campus pastor.
Sources (2)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Chapel Schedule | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Culbertson Auditorium, Spencer Hall Fridays: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Ministry Meetings”
  Chapel is scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m., in Culbertson Auditorium (Wednesday).
2. Spiritual Life | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Sterling College's chapel services create an environment where students can encounter and develop a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. The Chapel worship services are led by our Campus Pastor, Jose Carrillo, alongside our student-led worship team and various guest speakers.”
  Chapel services are led by the Campus Pastor and a student worship team.
Every major includes a required service project, and short-term mission trips are offered.
Sources (2)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Academic Majors | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Each major will include a required service project and a required creative product.”
  Every major includes a required service project.
2. Spiritual Life | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Through our short-term mission trips, Sterling College students have the opportunity to serve in a variety of contexts, including local churches, nonprofit organizations and humanitarian efforts.”
  Mission trips let students serve in local churches, nonprofit organizations and humanitarian efforts.
Old Testament, New Testament and Basic Christian Doctrine courses are required of all undergraduates.
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, General Education | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “TM102 Intro to Old Testament (C- minimum) 3 credits”
  Introduction to the Old Testament (TM102) is a required general education course.
  “TM103 Intro to New Testament (C- minimum) 3 credits”
  Introduction to the New Testament (TM103) is a required general education course.
  “TM366 Basic Christian Doctrine 3 credits”
  Basic Christian Doctrine (TM366) is a required general education course.
The catalog says faculty and staff seek to combine faith and learning in the classroom.
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Institutional Description | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Its faculty and staff are believing Christians who strive to combine the concepts of faith and learning in their lives and in the classroom.”
  The catalog says faculty and staff seek to combine faith and learning in the classroom.

Concerns

The FCA page lists worship nights without a frequency.
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook (revised 8-4-26) | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/Sterling%20College%20Student%20Life%20-%20Student%20Handbook%20-%20revised%20-%208-4-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “We run many different things on campus such as worship nights, Testimony nights, sport-oriented game nights and many other types of events.”
  The Fellowship of Christian Athletes club runs worship nights on campus.
The three required Bible and theology courses are the only courses described as Christian content.
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, General Education | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “TM102 Intro to Old Testament (C- minimum) 3 credits”
  Introduction to the Old Testament (TM102) is a required general education course.
  “TM103 Intro to New Testament (C- minimum) 3 credits”
  Introduction to the New Testament (TM103) is a required general education course.
  “TM366 Basic Christian Doctrine 3 credits”
  Basic Christian Doctrine (TM366) is a required general education course.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Office of Spiritual Life, Sterling College

Address: 125 W. Cooper, Sterling, KS 67579
Location: On campus
Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: sterling.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, sterling.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Office of Spiritual Life (Campus Pastor's office)

Sources (2)

Spiritual Life | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Sterling College's chapel services create an environment where students can encounter and develop a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. The Chapel worship services are led by our Campus Pastor, Jose Carrillo, alongside our student-led worship team and various guest speakers.”
Chapel services are led by the Campus Pastor and a student worship team.
Student Handbook (revised 8-4-26) | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/Sterling%20College%20Student%20Life%20-%20Student%20Handbook%20-%20revised%20-%208-4-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“The student is to reach out to the Office of Spiritual Life if the chapel credits are not attained prior to the end of the semester.”
The college has an Office of Spiritual Life that supports students on chapel requirements.
“The Campus Pastor’s office is responsible for Chapel/Convocation record-keeping.”
The Campus Pastor's office keeps chapel attendance records.

Christian clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 1 off campus, 7 location not published

Service 2

Short-term mission tripsOff campus
Typically spring break and early May
Short-term domestic and international mission trips.
sterling.edu, sterling.edu
Love Sterling
Program that encourages students to serve alongside members of the Sterling community.
sterling.edu

Faith formation 1

Men's and Women's Ministry MeetingsOn campus
Fridays, 10:00 a.m.
Listed on the chapel schedule.
sterling.edu

Clubs and groups 7

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)On campus
Club for student athletes; events include worship nights, testimony nights and game nights.
sterling.edu
Marriage Ministry
Listed among the campus ministries.
sterling.edu
Verses for God
Listed among the campus ministries.
sterling.edu
Bearing Fruit
Listed among the campus ministries.
sterling.edu
The Table
Listed among the campus ministries.
sterling.edu
Discipleship Ministry
Listed among the campus ministries.
sterling.edu

Show 1 more

Supply Preaching Ministry
Listed among the campus ministries.
sterling.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 2

Wednesday10:00 AMCulbertson Auditorium, Spencer Hall · Chapel, 2026-27 catalog; around 30 chapels each semester.
Friday10:00 AM · Listed on the 2026-27 chapel schedule as Men's and Women's Ministry Meetings.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)

2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Chapel Schedule | Sterling Collegesterling.edu/sites/default/files/2026-27%20Undergraduate%20Catalog%20Final%20-%209-3-26.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Culbertson Auditorium, Spencer Hall Fridays: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Ministry Meetings”
Chapel is scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m., in Culbertson Auditorium (Wednesday).
“Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Culbertson Auditorium, Spencer Hall Fridays: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Ministry Meetings”
Chapel is scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m., in Culbertson Auditorium (Wednesday).

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family income	Price after aid
Up to $30,000	$19,068
$30,001–$48,000	$19,236
$48,001–$75,000	$21,975
$75,001–$110,000	$23,525
Over $110,000	$26,602

Full cost of attendance before aid: $47,185 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	680
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 58% · Women 42%
First-generation students College Scorecard	34%
First-year students from another state IPEDS, fall 2023	56%
Total students	707
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$22,371
Cost of attendance (per year)	$47,185
Median federal debt at graduation	$24,625
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	41%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years	51%
Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years	42%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	60%
First-year retention	50%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$45,846
Admission rate	48%
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	$25
Financial aid priority deadline College website, 2026-27	February 15
Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026	About $668 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants	37%

Value index: 38 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

Median earnings by major
Major	Median earnings
Kinesiology and exercise science	$38,771

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Allied health, Biology, Broadcasting, Business administration, Chemistry, Clinical and counseling psychology, Communication studies, Criminal justice, Design, Ecology and evolutionary biology, English, Entrepreneurship, Experimental psychology, Film and video, Finance, Fine arts, History, Human Biology, Human resources, Interdisciplinary studies, Journalism, Management science, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Other business, management, marketing, and related support services, Other philosophy and religious studies, Other theology and religious vocations, Pastoral counseling, Political science, Pre-health, Psychology, Public relations, Religious Education, Secondary education, Statistics, Teacher education, Theatre, Writing and rhetoric.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

Most common bachelor’s fields
Field	Share of degrees
Business	20%
Education	14%
Parks, recreation and fitness	11%
Visual and performing arts	10%
Criminal justice and security	9%

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	Rural
Part-time undergraduates	9%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	11%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$9,586
Sports	NAIA · Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	8 to 1
Faculty who are full-time	62%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$20,223IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm space	For about 93% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline service	Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)About 58 miles away
Town population	2,411Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	WichitaAbout 60 miles away
Typical weather	31°F in January · 81°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Sterling, KS

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
Category	This campus	U.S. rate
Rape	0.00	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.00	0.04
Burglary	0.00	0.08
Motor vehicle theft	0.00	0.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Sterling College a Christian college?: Yes. Sterling College is a Christian college.
What is Sterling College’s Compass Score?: 72 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Sterling College?: Chapel is listed at Culbertson Auditorium and Spencer Hall. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

Ask the school

Something you want to know that isn’t on this page? Ask it here. We send it to the school, and their answer appears on this page. Your name is never shared.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Reach out

Contact details for Jose Carrillo (Campus Pastor) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 155937
Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Report an error or a newer source
Respond as this school

Colleges like this one

The same kind of school first, then the closest in selectivity, size and cost.

Compass ScoreYork UniversityYork, NESimilarly selective Compass ScoreKentucky Christian UniversityGrayson, KYSimilar size and cost Compass ScoreTrinity Baptist CollegeJacksonville, FLSimilarly selective Not yet ratedTabor CollegeHillsboro, KSSimilar size and cost

Sterling College

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

Questions students ask

Rankings

In America

Academic Excellence

Faith scorecard

Worship and chapel

Bible and theology

Christian community

Missions and service

Strengths

Concerns

Campus ministry home

Office of Spiritual Life, Sterling College

Campus ministry

Christian clubs and student life

Service 2

Faith formation 1

Clubs and groups 7

Chapel, worship and prayer

Chapel 2

What families pay, by income

Cost and value

Earnings by major

What students study most

Campus facts

Campus safety reports

Christian churches nearby

Questions families ask

Ask the school

Reviews

Reach out

My rating and notes

Colleges like this one

What would it cost your family?

Reach, Target or Likely?

Will you get in?