College Costs in Sterling, AK 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Sterling, Alaska. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$22,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$861
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Sterling Overview
Population
5,918
Student Population
500 (8.4%)
Cost of Living Index
114.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Sterling
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,516
Total After Financial Aid
$93,516
Annual Cost
$23,379
Annual After Aid
$23,379
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,516 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,062 |
| Total Interest | $33,907 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,423 |
Universities in Sterling
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling State University | Public | $7,430 |
| Sterling Community College | Community | $6,009 |
Sterling has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Sterling vs. National Average
| Category | Sterling | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,100 | $10,940 | -$2,840 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $861 | $1,050 | -$189 |
| Cost of Living Index | 114.6 | 100 | +14.599999999999994 |
Sterling's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Sterling
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
500 students
Sterling has a total population of 5,918, with approximately 500 college students (8.4% of the population). Sterling has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Sterling
$39,917
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~19 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Sterling earn a median starting salary of $39,917, which is $4,917 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,516 (including room and board), it would take approximately 19 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,714 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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