Analysis
Based on national benchmarks for bachelor's-level statistics programs, Sterling College appears positioned around typical outcomes—with estimated first-year earnings near $59,700 and debt around $16,875. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 is manageable by conventional standards, suggesting graduates could reasonably handle loan payments while establishing themselves professionally. However, these figures come from national medians rather than Sterling's actual graduate outcomes, which aren't available due to small sample sizes.
The limited data from Kansas makes state-level comparison impossible—only three schools in the state offer statistics degrees, and none have published outcomes. What we do know nationally is that statistics programs show considerable variation: the top quarter of programs produce first-year earnings above $69,000, meaning some bachelor's-level statisticians start significantly stronger. Whether Sterling's program positions graduates closer to that higher tier or falls below the median remains unclear without actual placement data.
For families considering this investment, the fundamental challenge is uncertainty. Sterling serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (32%), suggesting they understand affordability concerns, and the estimated debt load is relatively modest. But you're making a decision with limited visibility into where Sterling graduates actually land—their specific employer networks, geographic placement patterns, and real salary outcomes. Request concrete employment data from the school: where recent statistics graduates work, their actual starting salaries, and what percentage secure jobs requiring their degree within six months of graduation.
Where Sterling College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Statistics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,200 | $59,718* | — | $16,875* | — | |
| $59,076 | $141,116* | — | —* | — | |
| $66,104 | $129,732* | — | —* | — | |
| $65,805 | $97,197* | $113,854 | $13,500* | 0.14 | |
| $63,829 | $93,111* | $142,883 | $21,375* | 0.23 | |
| $14,850 | $83,227* | $102,151 | $16,165* | 0.19 | |
| National Median | — | $59,718* | — | $20,150* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Sterling College, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.