Prescott College vs Sterling College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the core academic focuses of Prescott College and Sterling College?

  Prescott College emphasizes environmental studies, social justice, and adventure education, encouraging interdisciplinary learning and self-directed study. Sterling College focuses primarily on ecological thinking and action, sustainable agriculture, and rural community resilience. Both colleges prioritize experiential learning, but Prescott offers a broader range of academic disciplines.

• How do the campus environments and locations differ between Prescott College and Sterling College?

  Prescott College is located in Prescott, Arizona, a small city in a high-desert environment, offering access to diverse landscapes like mountains, forests, and deserts. Sterling College is situated in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, a small, rural village in the Northeast Kingdom, surrounded by farmland and forests. Prescott offers a more urban-adjacent experience, while Sterling provides a deeply immersive rural setting.

• What is the typical student body size and overall campus culture at each college?

  Prescott College has a larger student body, typically around 500-700 students, fostering a more diverse and active campus community with a wider range of clubs and activities. Sterling College has a much smaller student body, usually around 130 students, creating a close-knit, intimate community where students are highly involved in all aspects of campus life, including farm work and community governance.

• How do Prescott College and Sterling College approach experiential learning?

  Both colleges heavily emphasize experiential learning. Prescott College incorporates field courses, internships, and independent study projects across its programs. Sterling College integrates work programs, farm and forest management, and place-based learning directly into the curriculum. While both value hands-on experience, Sterling's approach is more deeply integrated with the college's operational needs and rural setting.

• What are the tuition costs and financial aid options at Prescott College and Sterling College?

  Tuition costs are comparable between Prescott College and Sterling College. Both institutions offer various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's best to visit their respective financial aid websites and contact their financial aid offices directly to understand the specific costs and aid packages available to you based on your individual circumstances.

• What types of career paths do graduates from Prescott College and Sterling College typically pursue?

  Prescott College graduates often pursue careers in environmental advocacy, conservation, social work, education, and outdoor leadership. Sterling College graduates commonly find employment in sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, ecological design, and rural community development. Both colleges prepare students for careers that contribute to a more sustainable and just world.

• How do the academic programs at Prescott College and Sterling College differ in terms of specialization?

  Prescott College offers a broader range of academic programs, including options for individualized degree plans and concentrations in areas like adventure education, counseling, and expressive arts therapy. Sterling College's academic programs are more tightly focused on ecological thinking and action, with specializations in areas like sustainable agriculture, conservation ecology, and outdoor education leadership, all viewed through an ecological lens.

• What are the housing options like at Prescott College and Sterling College?

  Prescott College offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional dormitories and apartment-style living. Sterling College primarily offers on-campus housing in dormitories, fostering a strong sense of community among residents. Given Sterling's smaller size, housing is typically guaranteed for all students.

• How do the colleges approach sustainability in their campus operations?

  Both Prescott College and Sterling College are deeply committed to sustainability. Prescott College has implemented various green initiatives, including renewable energy projects and waste reduction programs. Sterling College integrates sustainability into all aspects of its operations, from its farm-to-table dining program to its carbon-neutral campus. Sterling's commitment to sustainability is arguably more deeply embedded in its institutional identity and daily practices.

• What are the key similarities between Prescott College and Sterling College?

  Both Prescott College and Sterling College share a strong commitment to experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and social justice. They both attract students who are passionate about making a positive impact on the world and who value a close-knit, supportive learning environment. Both colleges also emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.