Head-to-head · 2026
Community College of Vermont vs Sterling College
Compare average net price ($13,696 at Community College of Vermont; $21,854 at Sterling College), ROI score (6.61 vs 3.50), ten-year median earnings ($36,234 vs $30,573), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Community College of Vermont; 66.7% at Sterling College) using federal College Scorecard data. Community College of Vermont has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Community College of Vermont has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | Community College of Vermont | Sterling College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.61 ✓ | 3.50 |
| Avg net price | $13,696 ✓ | $21,854 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $36,234 ✓ | $30,573 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 66.7% |
| Graduation rate | 19.6% | 31.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,491 ✓ | $23,000 |
| Enrollment | 2,841 | 50 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Sterling College costs $8,158 more per year than Community College of Vermont ($21,854 vs $13,696). Community College of Vermont graduates report $5,661 higher median earnings after ten years ($36,234 vs $30,573). On EduGradify's model that puts Community College of Vermont ahead on projected ROI (6.61 vs 3.50, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Community College of Vermont) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Sterling College reports 66.7% acceptance; Community College of Vermont does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Community College of Vermont vs Sterling College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Community College of Vermont or Sterling College the better value?
Community College of Vermont has the higher EduGradify ROI score (6.61 vs 3.50), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Community College of Vermont is cheaper — average net price $13,696 per year vs $21,854 at Sterling College. The annual difference of $8,158 adds up to about $32,632 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Community College of Vermont reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $36,234 vs $30,573 at Sterling College. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,661.
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. Community College of Vermont reports a C value grade; Sterling College reports D.