We pride ourselves in being able to provide a personalized admissions experience. We are thrilled that you have chosen us as part of your journey towards success.

Where Small is Better

Sterling is 100% environmentally focused, nestled in a rural Vermont village, and uses the local farms, forests, rivers, and wetlands as our classrooms. With a student body limited to 100, we cultivate a close-knit community in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, focused on sustainable and socially responsible living. At Sterling, we give you the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and learn in a very hands-on, experiential way to prepare you to challenge conventional thinking. Sterling, where small is better.

Just three simple steps and you can be part of the Sterling community! Start your journey today with a straightforward application process.

  • Complete Your Application

    You can secure your future at Sterling College today. From First Year to Transfer to International students, the Common Application provides a simple way for everyone to apply. Plus, you won't be charged an application fee and SAT/ACT scores are optional.

  • Submit a Writing Sample

    Showcase your writing chops and let us into the creative mind that crafted it in an essay, short story, or opinion piece. In 500-800 words, share something you are proud of with a unique flair so we can get to know who you really are.

  • Submit your High School Transcript

    Sterling does not require official transcripts for admission. Simply upload a photo or screenshot of your transcripts in the application dashboard or send it to your counselor via email.

Transfer Students

The average age of a Sterling student is 22 years old.

Transfer students who arrive with at least 60 credits are waived from several introductory courses.

First Year Admission Deadlines

Fall 2025 Early Decision

Application Submission: November 15, 2024
Decision Notification Date: December 15, 2025
Candidate’s Reply Notice: January 15th 2025

Fall 2025 Early Action I

Application Submission: November 15, 2024
Decision Notification Date: December 15, 2025
Candidate’s Reply Notice:
May 1, 2025

Fall 2025 Early Action II

Application Submission:
December 15, 2024
Decision Notification Date:
January 15, 2025
Candidate’s Reply Notice:
May 1, 2025

Fall 2025 Rolling Admission

Application Submission:
July 15, 2025
Decision Notification Date:
Rolling on a space-available basis
Candidate’s Reply Notice:
By the date in your acceptance letter

Fall 2025 Regular Decision

Application Submission:
March 1, 2025
Decision Notification Date:
April 1, 2025
Candidate’s Reply Notice:
May 1, 2025

Spring 2025 Regular Decision

Application Submission:
November 15th, 2025
Decision Notification Date:
December 1st, 2025
Candidate’s Reply Notice:
December 15, 2025

Spring 2025 Rolling Decision

Application Submission: December 15, 2024
Decision Notification Date: Rolling on a space-available basis

Candidate’s Reply Notice: By the date in your acceptance letter

Sterling College complies with applicable provisions of state and federal law which prohibit discrimination in employment, or in admission or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities, on the basis of race, creed, color, place of birth, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, service in the armed forces of the United States, positive HIV-related blood test results, genetic information, or against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability and/or any other status or characteristic as defined and to the extent protected by applicable law. Read Sterling College’s Full Non-Discrimination Statement here.