Sterling College Closes As 442 Private Colleges Face Closure Risk
Image: Vermont Public

Sterling College Closes As 442 Private Colleges Face Closure Risk

13 April, 2026.USA.3 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Projection shows more than a quarter of private colleges at risk of closing.
  • Sterling College in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, finishing its last semester amid closures.
  • Campus operates a 130-acre farm to teach agriculture and related disciplines.

Sterling College Closure

A new projection estimates that 442 private colleges are at risk of closing or merging within 10 years.

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NPRNPR

Sterling's enrollment had fallen to about 40 students.

President Scott Thomas said margins were thin despite breaking even.

The college gave students a final semester to complete degrees or transfer.

Nationwide Higher Ed Crisis

The closure of Sterling is part of a nationwide shakeout.

Huron analyzed enrollment trends, tuition revenue, assets, debt, and cash on hand.

Image from The Hechinger Report
The Hechinger ReportThe Hechinger Report

Peter Stokes said we have too many seats and classrooms.

Fewer than half of students at colleges that close continue their educations.

Twenty-year-old Izzy Johnson enrolled at Sterling only to learn it would close.

Human Impact and Community

Students expressed deep connections with instructors and role models.

The campus atmosphere remained upbeat despite the closure.

The college's work component added to the unique experience.

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