Head-to-head · 2026
Middlebury College vs Sterling College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 5 wins for Middlebury College, 1 for Sterling College — Middlebury College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Middlebury College | Sterling College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.06 ✓ | 3.50 |
| Avg net price | $31,483 | $21,854 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $76,310 ✓ | $30,573 |
| Acceptance rate | 10.8% ✓ | 66.7% |
| Graduation rate | 91.4% ✓ | 31.6% |
| Median debt | $13,857 ✓ | $23,000 |
| Enrollment | 2,738 | 50 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1508 | — |
| Wins | 5 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Middlebury College costs $9,629 more per year than Sterling College ($31,483 vs $21,854). Middlebury College graduates report $45,737 higher median earnings after ten years ($76,310 vs $30,573). On EduGradify's model that puts Middlebury College ahead on projected ROI (6.06 vs 3.50, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Middlebury College) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Middlebury College is highly competitive at 10.8% acceptance versus 66.7% (accessible) at Sterling College.
Frequently asked
Middlebury College vs Sterling College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Middlebury College or Sterling College the better value?
Middlebury College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (6.06 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 $31,483 at Middlebury College. The annual difference of $9,629 adds up to about $38,516 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Middlebury College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $76,310 vs $30,573 at Sterling College. The annual gap in the federal data is $45,737.
Which school is harder to get into?
Middlebury College is more selective at 10.8% acceptance vs 66.7% at Sterling 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. Middlebury College reports a C value grade; Sterling College reports D.