Sterling College
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$163,040
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-7,891/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-197%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Sterling College's in-state tuition is $40,760. One year after graduation, alumni earn $25,883. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $27,109, and after ten years, earnings reach $30,573. The median debt for students is $23,000, and 35.6% of students receive financial aid.
Given the tuition cost and earnings data, it would take more than ten years for a graduate to earn the equivalent of their tuition. The college's graduation rate is 36.4%, and its retention rate is 30%.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$40,760
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$27,109
Graduation Rate
36%
Receive Financial Aid
36%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Production Operations. | $163,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $163,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Outdoor Education. | $163,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. | $163,040 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.