Est. Earnings (1yr)
$59,718
Est. from national median (51 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$16,875
Est. from national median (6 programs)

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

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Sterling CollegeSterling$32,200$59,718*$16,875*
Harvard UniversityCambridge$59,076$141,116**
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia$66,104$129,732**
Duke UniversityDurham$65,805$97,197*$113,854$13,500*0.14
Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh$63,829$93,111*$142,883$21,375*0.23
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley$14,850$83,227*$102,151$16,165*0.19
National Median$59,718*$20,150*0.34
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Mathematicians

Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree
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.