Sterling College
Sterling, KS, USA

Reviews

Sterling College

Katy from Reserve, NM

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Learning a lot is a understatement. The teachers love what they do and that is evident in the classroom. If you need help they make time and really try to help you understand the material better.
Am enjoying being here
I do enjoy this college. It is small so you shouldn't get lost, but if you do you can ask anyone and they will be glad to help you. I am apart of the women's basketball team and that has been probably the best experience I have had since being here. The girls care about each other and enjoy being together. The coaches are great, I think a team will follow in the attitude or character of the coach. I think our team has great attitudes and good sportsmanship. Coach obviously cares about each girl.
Bang for the buck
Sterling does cost a whole lot, but they will try to work with you and help supply you with scholarships. But there is a certain amount of effort on your part to search out for scholarships to help you.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the Campus while school is in session. Come with questions on areas of interest to you. If you want to play sports tryout you'll probably make it.

Ashley from Sterling, KS

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The best thing about Sterling College is the fact that it is a small college. I am currently a Music Major which is a tough field to enter into. My experiences at Sterling have only helped me. The class sizes are extremely small, which makes it easier to have a relationship with your teachers. Coming from a graduating class of 750 to a school of 728 makes a huge difference. It is easier to concentrate and the teachers really go out of their way to help you out.
Am enjoying being here
Sterling College has an extremely welcoming and friendly environment! Coming from a huge state like California to a little town smack dab in the middle of Kansas was a big step for me! I felt out of place and lonely. I didn't have any friends or family around; but the people at Sterling really helped me with the homesickness. Everyone here is so friendly and the teachers do everything they can to be apart of your life. To have such amazing encouragement from teachers, coaches, RAs, RDs, and friends is what has really gotten me through being so far from home. I wouldn't rather be any other place in the world!
Bang for the buck
Small Christian Colleges sure are expensive, but Sterling is pretty affordable. It can be expensive, but it really is an investment. One fantastic thing about sterling is you can get scholarships for almost anything. I have an academic scholarship, a music scholarship, and a theater scholarship (and I'm not even apart of the theater department, I just take part in plays or musicals every so often). Many people receive sports scholarships or major scholarships (for example my friend Brianna has a biology scholarship because that is her major). The thing to remember when looking at colleges isn't how much the tuition is, its how much the tuition is after scholarships. Get out there! Check out schools and apply for scholarships!
Tips for prospective students
When coming to college try not to room with someone you have known before! Its such a great experience to live with someone you don't know, experience something completely new!
PS. Sit in the front row... I know in high school it might have been dorky, but you really do learn better and professors see that you take their class seriously!
Great for these types of students
Christian/Protestants/Catholics
Music
Sports
Buisness
Pre-Med
Education (Sterling was founded on their education department)
Psychology
People who like relational learning

Outgoing
Shy
EVERYONE!

CALISTA from Saint John, KS

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
I find the classes both challenging and enjoyable. Due to the higher student-to-teacher ratio, the professors are able to give much more personalized instruction, and they care not only about your academic success, but your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing as well. You can come to them with any problem, regardless of whether or not it has anything to do with their class. It is a refreshing atmosphere to study in, and one that makes it easy to want to throw all your energy into the projects.
Dorm Life
The dorm rooms are a comfortable size, especially if you get bunk beds. The desks in the rooms are pretty small, but that's mostly only an issue if you are an art student and like to spread out when you work. A properly-sized mini fridge can easily be used to expand your workspace. I speak from experience.
Food and Dining
I enjoy the variety and choices at the cafeteria! They usually have a grill section, a home-cooked meal section, a sandwich/quesadilla line, a stir-fry line (highly recommend!) as well as pizza (which they make themselves) and salad. There is also ice cream, cereal, and waffles available at every meal for those who are so inclined.

Matt from Orange County, CA

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Sterling College is awesome! It's home to the best people in the world and I would do it all over again if I had the chance.
Tips for prospective students
1) Visit Campus! Sterling is a great place but it's not for everyone. I felt at home on my campus visit and it sold me on Sterling.
2) If you are from out of state be open to change and a different culture.
3) Understand that it's a Christian College, with that comes a lot of great things but also means that Sterling has different rules than other colleges. Chapels are required, and there are certain visitation hours that the opposite can be in your dorm. For a Christian College the visitation hours are not super strict, and 14 chapels a semester is not difficult to get at all.
4) Don't count Sterling out until you have received your total financial aid package. Scholarships, grants, and loans can make Sterling very affordable for certain people.
Academic Rigor
Sterling can be difficult or rather easy depending on the program your in. The content was much more difficult than high school but I did better at Sterling because of the small class sizes and the fact that I had professors that were willing to work with me.
Dorm Life
I loved living in the dorms at Sterling, the only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because some of the dorms are old and not in great shape. Although Sterling is a small town with not a lot going on I was never bored because the dorms always had something going on.
Food and Dining
Here is the deal about the food, IT IS A CAFETERIA! People all over the country at almost every college complain about the cafeteria food, it's not because the food is bad it's because you eat there 3 times a day 7 days a week. Now if we are comparing apples to apples Sterling has one of the best cafeterias for a small college. It was recently remodeled and has had an upgrade in the quality of food. When I talk to people who have eaten at other colleges cafeterias they are always saying Sterling's is way better.
What to do for fun
Sterling is a small town with not a lot to do but I was never bored. Most people end up being too busy if anything.

On Campus:
Sporting events
Campus events - Monte Carlo, Talent show, Bingo night, Halloween Dance, Formal and lots more.

In Sterling:
Bowling.... thats about it.

Other Cities:
Hutchinson is about 25 min. away and has a bunch of things to do and Wichita is only about an hour and has almost everything any other big city would have.
Bang for the buck
Relative to other Private and Christian Colleges Sterling is one of the most inexpensive, but with that said it is more expensive than your state schools and jucos. It is going to be what you put in, if you mess around and just get by you're not going to get as much value as you would like.

Something that you should keep in mind is the the value of a Christian College and the value of resources you have a Sterling.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Rowdies at Football games!

The Gleason Goonies at Basketball games!

When a couple gets engaged (which happens a lot) the girl has a ring ceremony and the guy is tied to a chair in his boxers and left in front of the girls dorm.

On the first snow of the school year people go streaking, and weirdos watch them.

Pranks lots of pranks.
Great for these types of students
Athletes, Theatre enthusiasts, Art students, students looking for a Christ centered College and most importantly Friendly people.

If you are looking for a party scene this is definitely not the best choice but of course its College so there are still parties.
Clubs and Activities
Athletics and the fine and preforming arts are big and everything kind of revolves around those activities.
Campus Safety
I never locked my car door or my dorm room. The college has put certain things in place to help with safety but its such a safe environment they don't really need to do much, although they could.

Kara from Lone Tree, CO

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Sterling College is a christ-centered, safe haven in the middle of Kansas. The community and people are what make it so special because of the fellowship they provide. There are so many opportunities to grow your faith in Jesus Christ, but they open their arms welcoming people in, not forcing them to learn.
Tips for prospective students
Realize that who you are surrounding yourself with will make all the difference in the world. The people are what makes the college experience so special. I believe Sterling College does it best by inviting the most quality people to come aboard and enjoy everything it has to offer. It has so much to offer! Ministries, sports teams, leadership, events, and so much more. I would seriously take a step to check out this college.
Academic Rigor
The classes are hard, but the teachers are not only extremely qualified, but available to have personal connections with students because of the size of classes. I have had beneficial homework and no busy work to keep me on task toward achieving my goals.
Dorm Life
Holy guacamole! I love the dorm life at Sterling. Everyone is required to live on campus, so it is one big party all the time. You are never alone. People are always hanging out, doing homework, learning, and having fun together. I couldn't ask for a better living situation.
Food and Dining
The food is good. I wouldn't say I like it better than my favorite restaurants, but it is healthy, hearty, and keeps me alive.
What to do for fun
What isn't fun about Sterling College? There is always something going on. Events are put on by student government: bonfires, movie nights, karaoke nights, concerts, games, dances, and so much more. There are sporting events to attend: soccer games, football games, volleyball games, and more. People make their own fun: pool parties, playing sand volleyball, going out to eat, bowling, clubbing, and more. The list could go on and on.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The sword in the stone is in the middle of the campus for all to see. It represents strength of the warrior. Smisor stadium is big because it is the largest structure on campus and it is where a large amount of events happen. Cornerstone is a cozy lounge for performances, events, eating, and hanging out. It is actually my favorite place on campus because of the vibe it encompasses.
Great for these types of students
Students who are passionate about Jesus, sporty, wanting a community, diligent, social, creative, musical, artsy, and simple.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs, but also so many opportunities to start your own club. Activities are top notch. I am never bored because there is always something going on. Boredom is not an issue at Sterling College.
Greek Life
none
Campus Safety
I have never felt more safe in my life. The college is located in a quaint, small town with a low to no crime rate. The dorm doors are locked until residents unlock them with their student ID's. It is a small campus, monitored by security guards and easy to navigate. It is located in a beautiful area.

Yolanda from Anchorage, AK

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This college has changed my life, not only physically but spiritually. I was welcomed with open arm from the students and also the staff. These people are really loving and take the time out to sit down with you and guide you through your school year.
Tips for prospective students
This school is very open. So don't be afraid to take risks and be open to other people. They will love and care for you and will be there through your lowest valleys and high mountains. Go in with a positive mindset and everything else with fall into place.
Academic Rigor
Academics here at Sterling. They want to see you succeed and have a future set for you before leaving the college. They will help in every way possible to help you with anything that you need help with.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is great. Each dorm has a variety of activities that they do to keep students engaged. I enjoyed them all and just made me feel like I was wanted there. Great living, they try to keep it clean for all the students to feel like they are at home.
Food and Dining
The food there is good, and also healthy. There is a selection to choose from every single day. You most definitely will find something you like and after a great meal desserts are served as well and are freshly cooked by our staff.
What to do for fun
There are many activities around campus so that the student can attend, there are football games, baseball, softball, soccer, and other intramural activities for non athletes to participate in. It's very cool and you get to bond with other people and to socialize. There's never a weekend without any activities.
Bang for the buck
This campus is filled with a whole bunch of fun, but also being at a small Christian college it gets a little expensive, but the academics staff here always helps you find ways that you can help pay for school or can figure out a payment plan that fits your needs.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are many traditions on campus that we do. There are ring ceremonies where if someone is being proposed to they do a ring ceremony. Another would be spirit week where students go all out and crazy to participate in for homecoming week before the big football game. There are plenty others but would want you to see for yourself.
Great for these types of students
There is something specific for each student to enjoy. They could find at least one thing that may spark there interest. It's a campus filled with so much joy and fun. From the staff to the students and all the fun activities.
Clubs and Activities
There is club week where students participate in different activities with there clubs. They have activity night with there clubs so that they can build relationships amongst there club. There are many activities which also fall under intramural where there's a sport that people participate in like, basketball, softball, flag football, dodgeball and many more.
Greek Life
Not that I know of.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is very strict. We have security that drive around our campus to help secure the safety of our students and to make sure that all students are protected. They know each student and there faces. If they see something unusual they are right there on the job.

Stephany from Sterling, KS

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Sterling College is an incredible vocational school with a great community. It's a lot of fun and hosts many different events for students. One thing to keep in mind is that it is a Christian school, which means that there are a number of Christian Gen Ed courses, such as Chapel and Old Testament/New Testament.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared to be around Christian students, both the judgmental and accepting kind, but also be prepared for non-Christian students. Go into it with an open mind.
Academic Rigor
The Athletic Trainers program is the most rigorous here; my roommate is in it as a Freshman, and she has to apply to continue in it. Many of the other programs, like the Education programs, have GPA standards; for most, it is 2.7 or higher, depending on which program you are enrolled in.
Dorm Life
Great dorm community; R.As and R.Ds are super involved with our lives.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is fairly good; the downside is that you are not allowed to bring food out of it, aside from ice cream cones.
What to do for fun
They have many on campus events, and two towns 10-30 mins away with various museums and attractions. The State Fair is only 30 mins away, when it's going on.
Bang for the buck
Dollar General right across the street; I feel like I picked the right College.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One tradition is the cheer groups on campus, organized by students. There are two well known locations on campus: Cooper Hall, the castle featured on the website, and Sputnik, the clock in front of the library.
Great for these types of students
Studios, yet carefree students; the library is open late night and has special, soundproof rooms, as well as campus events (which are awesome, by the way; things like raves and movie nights).
Clubs and Activities
Not in one myself, but there are plenty of them of different types.
Greek Life
Non that I know of, actually.
Campus Safety
They have a texting sytsem just in case a shooter gets on campus.

Haley from Whittier, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Everyone knows everyone and takes care of each other. Such a nice atmosphere to constantly be around. The whole town supports the school and the sport teams.
Tips for prospective students
It is an absolutely amazing school to attend and I would never go back and change my decision to be here.
Academic Rigor
The classes are intense but with 5-25 people in an average class you get unlimited amount with your professor. Your professors also do begin to know you on a personal basis and then they only want the best for you and to help.
Dorm Life
There are so many activities and hall events going on that they leave you no time to be bored.
Food and Dining
We just got a brand new $1.5 million cafeteria put in. It is beyond gorgeous.
What to do for fun
Many people enjoy attending the sports games, movie theaters, there is an exotic animal farm, the state fair is 15 minutes away.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have a women's step team.
Great for these types of students
Small town and family oriented people. We also have a very great Christian environment throughout the school.
Campus Safety
It is such a small town that it is 100% safe on and off campus.