Nestled in the picturesque Craftsbury Valley, Vermont, Sterling College stands as a bastion of Environmental Studies and provides an education that uses local farms, forests, rivers, and wetlands as their classrooms. We are thrilled to welcome Sterling College, with its deep commitment to ecological awareness and action, to the growing SAGE Scholars College Consortium.
Founded in 1958, Sterling College has consistently utilized education as a tool to confront and mitigate the ecological challenges spurred by unrestrained growth and consumption. In recognition of its efforts to enhance students’ social mobility, Sterling was ranked 35th in the U.S. by U.S. News in 2024. The college’s substantial need-based grants facilitate student entry into the burgeoning environmental sciences sector, evidencing Sterling’s commitment to preparing the next generation of environmental professionals.
Sterling’s educational philosophy extends learning beyond the confines of the classroom. Through the Beyond the Classroom initiative, students engage in experimental learning and exploration, fostering a comprehensive educational experience. This holistic approach equips students with the knowledge, skills, and responsibility required to become influential leaders in their communities. At Sterling, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, broadening their skill sets through diverse, real-world experiences that prime them for successful careers in their chosen fields.
A “Sterling career” pathway transitions students from foundational skill development to advanced critical thinking, leadership, and teaching opportunities. The curriculum, a balanced mix of classroom instruction and practical fieldwork, is complemented by seminars designed to prepare students for life beyond academia through mentorship, support, and faculty accessibility. Sterling College prides itself on being a “safe space for experimentation, diverse skill acquisition, and hands-on learning—As part of their culmination, seniors present professional portfolios, readying them for the professional world as environmental and community advocates.
Living in a community is among the most impactful forms of experiential learning, and Sterling’s residential campus exemplifies this. Guided by thirteen core principles that emphasize compassion, care, and reflection, the college fosters personal, communal, and global progress. Sterling’s ROOTS initiative supports Black and brown students in addressing their unique needs and concerns in collaboration with the Dean of Admissions. Sterling alumni have successfully pursued advanced degrees and careers in diverse fields, from ecology and forestry to outdoor recreation and education, demonstrating the versatility of a Sterling education.
A Sterling education is characterized by creative, multidimensional thinking and practical experience, preparing graduates to make a significant impact wherever their passions lead them. As a community steward, Sterling College is committed to fostering extensive community support and engaging experiential learning models. This distinctive approach to integrating work, study, and community living makes a Sterling education truly unique. Therefore, we are thrilled to welcome Sterling College into the SAGE Scholars consortium, acknowledging its role in nurturing future leaders dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.
Sterling College
100% Environmentally-Focused College in Vermont
Nestled in a rural Vermont village, Sterling offers two-year and four-year undergraduate degrees in Environmental Studies. We provide a liberal arts education that uses the local farms, forests, rivers, and wetlands as our classrooms. With a small student body of fewer than 125 students in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, we foster a tight-knit community that prides itself on sustainable and socially responsible living. At Sterling, we give you the opportunity to roll your sleeves up and learn in a very hands-on, experiential way to prepare you to challenge the status quo. Sterling, where small is better.
View profile
