Sterling College, Vermont

Sterling is a small college that thinks big and acts on its convictions. As the first and the leading voice for environmental stewardship in higher education, for nearly sixty years we have been studying, working, and building community in harmony with the natural world and Vermont’s working landscape.

A college adviser once shared that when she advises students about applying, she wants them to know that while there are many colleges that “have” farms, Sterling, from her perspective, “is” a farm. Sterling is much more than its internationally known Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program, it is a college that looks at the world through the lens of environmental stewardship; but regardless of your academic focus, Sterling is a thoroughly authentic place.

Sterling also strives to be an educational community in which people of all backgrounds and identities feel at home, where are our differences are embraced, and where individuals take responsibility for furthering the dignity of all. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and we are proud to offer a robust scholarship program.

Sterling College is a private, environmental college focused on the human relationship with the natural world and a place where what you do every day really matters.

Because we know that the most critical issues of our time involve our climate, soil, water, food, energy, and wilderness, Sterling offers environmentally focused bachelor’s degrees in only five areas—Ecology, Environmental Humanities, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Food Systems, and Outdoor Education (or a program you design yourself)— to equip you for lives and careers that live up to your values. Our community and classes are small, tight-knit, and intense. They will invite you to share, risk, lead, learn, and grow. And trust that we will know your name. Everyone is on a first-name basis here. You can be sure that you will receive the tools, guidance, and support you need to become your finest self.

Sterling College is one of only seven federally recognized Work Colleges in the country, and the only one in New England. This means you offset part of your tuition—and get career experience—by working a part-time job on campus. Whether you’re working on the Sterling College farm caring for our livestock and vegetables, preparing amazing meals in the kitchen, making Sterling’s very own maple syrup, mentoring students in the community, or something else entirely.

Sterling College was one of the first colleges in the world to focus exclusively on educating and training environmental stewards—people who love, work in, and actively care for the environment.

The mission and vision of Sterling College are strongly linked to its history and the critical environmental challenges facing humanity in the 21st century.

Sterling College inspires lifelong environmental stewardship through experiential liberal arts education that prepares students to become knowledgeable, skilled, and responsible leaders in the communities in which they live.

Sterling is a small college, but one that speaks with a big voice. Consistent with its historic values, the College has embarked upon a strategic path to become a global leader in the promotion of a unique educational model that prepares students to become environmental stewards. To meet this vision, Sterling embraces its rural location as one of its defining characteristics and strives to foster a community in which people of all backgrounds and identities feel at home, where differences are embraced and individuals take responsibility for furthering the dignity of all.

Academics at Sterling College let you craft a unique, personalized education in environmental stewardship. In small classes—usually under 11 students—you’ll explore the critical issues of our day: humanity’s relationship with the natural world and each other, and the stewardship of our air, water, soil, food, and climate. You’ll have classes on campus in a laboratory or seminar room, on the side of a mountain, or in a barn or pasture.

Admission to Sterling College opens the door to a transformative and affordable education, valuable work experience, and an eclectic, diverse and socially conscious community.

Sterling College offers admission to both first-time college applicants and transfer applicants. We also have a significant population of student veterans and adult learners at Sterling. Application review at Sterling is an individualized process, characterized by a personal and holistic approach. Affordability is central to the mission of Sterling College.

Admission to Sterling College is competitive. However, students who did not excel in high school or who have taken a non-traditional path to college may gain admission to Sterling by demonstrating work ethic, character, and passion for environmental stewardship.

Founded in 1958 as a boarding school, Sterling College evolved into a one- and then two-year experiential college program in rural resource management, looking at the complex relationships between agriculture, conservation, and education. We were locavores before there was even a name for it.

Today, Sterling College is an accredited four-year institution and America’s leading voice in Environmental Stewardship, educating students from all over the world in the science, philosophy, and skills of environmental sustainability. We offer five environmentally focused undergraduate majors and a self-designed major in the context of an ecology-inspired education. Our mission is to prepare coming generations in the “whys” and “hows” of personal and professional environmental stewardship.

Sterling is also proud to serve as a beacon for environmental education and campus sustainability. Sterling College was one of the first colleges in the country to have a farm. We were the third college in the nation, and the first in Vermont, to divest our endowment from fossil fuel investments, and we have received a STARS Gold Rating in recognition of our sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).