We strive to ensure that students of all financial backgrounds can pursue our mission to advance ecological thinking and action.

To enable this goal, Sterling offers substantial need-based grants and numerous merit scholarships – helping make the dream of attending college an attainable reality for everyone.

Sterling College offers generous need-based grants that can reach as much as $10,000 per semester. Commuter students may be eligible for distinct grants - apply now to find out! Completing the FAFSA and the Sterling College Application is required in order to determine how much assistance you qualify for each year of attendance.

  • The Achievement Scholarship

    Awarded to any first-year or transfer student who has demonstrated significant life achievement. Renewal requires satisfactory academic progress. No application is required. Up to $2,500 per semester.

  • The Presidential Scholarship

    Awarded to high school students and graduates and home-schooled students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) and have pursued an activity in an environmental field or exhibited a personal lifestyle change that has benefited the environment. Transfer students are also eligible. No application is required. Up to $2,500 per semester.

  • The Service Scholarship

    Awarded to any first-year or transfer student who has been involved in service to their community, school, or environment. Renewal requires satisfactory academic progress. No application is required. Up to $2,500 per semester.

  • The Gladys Brooks Scholarship

    This endowed merit scholarship is reserved for Sterling students from rural Vermont communities with high academic and leadership abilities. Up to $5,000 per year.

  • The Williamson Scholars Award

    The Williamson Scholars Award is granted to two juniors annually, who exemplify qualities that characterize Jed Williamson, former President, and Perry Forbes Williamson’s, former Director of Development, and their contributions to Sterling College—namely, leadership, integrity, inspiration, commitment to community, and unfailing optimism. No application is required. Up to $2,500 per semester.

  • The Vermont Award

    An annual award to accepted students who are residents of the State of Vermont. No application required. Up to $500 per semester.

  • The Student Conservation Association

    A one-time award to alumni of the Student Conservation Association (SCA) who meet the criteria for admissions to Sterling College. Accepted students are awarded $500 per semester for the first two semesters of enrollment. This award recognizes the valuable and important service performed by alumni of the Student Conservation Association. No application required but students must notify the Admissions Office of their participation in SCA.

  • The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps Award

    A one-time award to alumni of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) who meet the criteria for admissions to Sterling College. Accepted students are awarded $500 per semester for the first two semesters of enrollment. This award recognizes the valuable and important service and contributions to the state of Vermont performed by alumni of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. The VYCC is a non-profit service, conservation, and education organization. Each year, the VYCC hires over 300 young people between the ages of 16 and 24 to manage State Parks, build trails, restore rivers and streams, and improve community greenspaces. No application is required but students must notify the Admissions Office of their participation in VYCC.

  • AmeriCorps/Sterling College Matching Award ($500 per semester)

    Prior to enrollment, AmeriCorps alumni should notify Admissions of their intent to use AmeriCorps funds at Sterling College. Students qualifying for federal financial aid will receive a $500 award per semester. Students not eligible for federal financial aid will receive a $500 match per academic year. AmeriCorps funds exceeding the matching amount may be applied towards tuition, room, board and books. For more information, contact Admission.

  • The Transfer Award

    A one-time award to students who transfer at least 12 credits and have maintained a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. This scholarship is designed to recognize a transfer student’s prior academic achievement and to alleviate the costs incurred during the transfer process. $500/semester for first 2 full-time semesters. No application is required.

  • The Bounder Award

    An award to returning students who live west of the Mississippi River or in the Deep South. No application is required. $250 per semester for two semesters.

  • The Kroka Scholarship

    Awarded to any first-year or transfer student who is a graduate of a Kroka Semester program and is recommended by Kroka Expeditions. $5,000 per semester.

  • The Northwest Youth Corps Award

    A one-time award to alumni of the Northwest Youth Corps who meet the criteria for admissions to Sterling College. Accepted students are awarded $500 per semester for the first two semesters of enrollment. This award recognizes the valuable and important service performed by alumni of the Northwest Youth Corps. No application is required but students must notify the Admissions Office of their participation in Northwest Youth Corps.

  • The Woolman Scholarship

    Awarded to any first-year or transfer student who is a graduate of the Woolman Semester School and is recommended by Woolman. $5,000 per semester.

  • The Walden Project Award

    This is a one-time award to alumni of The Walden Project who meet the criteria for admissions to Sterling College. Accepted students are awarded $500 per semester for the first two semesters of enrollment. This award recognizes that alumni of The Walden Project have had meaningful experiences in Nature, examining who they are and what’s important in life, while developing skills for independent research, critical thinking, and service learning. In this way, the goal of The Walden Project is complementary to the mission of Sterling College. No application is required but students must notify the Admissions Office of their participation in The Walden Project.

  • Sterling’s Yellow Ribbon Award

    Awarded to student veterans who qualify for the G.I. Bill, $2,500/semester.