Head-to-head · 2026
Champlain College vs Sterling College
Compare average net price ($35,860 at Champlain College; $21,854 at Sterling College), ROI score (4.07 vs 3.50), ten-year median earnings ($58,386 vs $30,573), and admissions selectivity (82.9% acceptance at Champlain College; 66.7% at Sterling College) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. Champlain College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Champlain College | Sterling College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 4.07 ✓ | 3.50 |
| Avg net price | $35,860 | $21,854 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $58,386 ✓ | $30,573 |
| Acceptance rate | 82.9% | 66.7% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 65.2% ✓ | 31.6% |
| Median debt | $26,814 | $23,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,752 | 50 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1312 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Champlain College costs $14,006 more per year than Sterling College ($35,860 vs $21,854). Champlain College graduates report $27,813 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,386 vs $30,573). On EduGradify's model that puts Champlain College ahead on projected ROI (4.07 vs 3.50, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Champlain College) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Champlain College is accessible at 82.9% acceptance versus 66.7% (accessible) at Sterling College.
Frequently asked
Champlain College vs Sterling College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Champlain College or Sterling College the better value?
Champlain College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (4.07 vs 3.50), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Sterling College is cheaper — average net price $21,854 per year vs $35,860 at Champlain College. The annual difference of $14,006 adds up to about $56,024 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Champlain College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $58,386 vs $30,573 at Sterling College. The annual gap in the federal data is $27,813.
Which school is harder to get into?
Sterling College is more selective at 66.7% acceptance vs 82.9% at Champlain College.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Champlain College reports a D value grade; Sterling College reports D.