Sterling College Closes As 442 Private Colleges Face Closure Risk

Sterling College announced it will close at the end of the spring semester.

“More than a quarter of private colleges are at risk of closing, a new projection shows CRAFTSBURY COMMON, Vt”

NPR

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

NPR

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.

The closure of Sterling is part of a nationwide shakeout.

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

The 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.

Sterling's remote rural location contributed to its appeal.

“More than a dozen newborn lambs cavorted around a fenced-in yard beneath the scrutiny of their mothers and a few watchful students taking turns attending to them”

Vermont Public

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.