Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Michael's College vs Sterling College
Compare average net price ($25,239 at Saint Michael's College; $21,854 at Sterling College), ROI score (6.07 vs 3.50), ten-year median earnings ($61,317 vs $30,573), and admissions selectivity (84.5% acceptance at Saint Michael's College; 66.7% at Sterling College) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. Saint Michael's 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 | Saint Michael's College | Sterling College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.07 ✓ | 3.50 |
| Avg net price | $25,239 | $21,854 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $61,317 ✓ | $30,573 |
| Acceptance rate | 84.5% | 66.7% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 72.8% ✓ | 31.6% |
| Median debt | $26,922 | $23,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,092 | 50 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1245 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Saint Michael's College costs $3,385 more per year than Sterling College ($25,239 vs $21,854). Saint Michael's College graduates report $30,744 higher median earnings after ten years ($61,317 vs $30,573). On EduGradify's model that puts Saint Michael's College ahead on projected ROI (6.07 vs 3.50, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Saint Michael's College) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Saint Michael's College is accessible at 84.5% acceptance versus 66.7% (accessible) at Sterling College.
Frequently asked
Saint Michael's College vs Sterling College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Saint Michael's College or Sterling College the better value?
Saint Michael's College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (6.07 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 $25,239 at Saint Michael's College. The annual difference of $3,385 adds up to about $13,540 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Saint Michael's College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $61,317 vs $30,573 at Sterling College. The annual gap in the federal data is $30,744.
Which school is harder to get into?
Sterling College is more selective at 66.7% acceptance vs 84.5% at Saint Michael's 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. Saint Michael's College reports a C value grade; Sterling College reports D.