Enrollment data for the 2017-18 academic year is out, with record-breaking numbers from Sterling College. With 218 first-time freshmen, the College has recruited the largest incoming class in its history and the fifth largest total headcount with 703 students. Sterling College continues to grow  in diversity through its ethnicity statistics and international students, publishing 34 percent of students claiming an ethnicity other than white.

“We are thrilled to have the largest incoming class this year at Sterling College. As a small college in Kansas we are particularly pleased at our minority percentage and international student numbers. With the increase in new students there is a palpable energy and excitement on campus that can be felt in the classroom and dorms and certainly on the playing field and stage. Sterling continues its strong emphasis on activities with about two-thirds of the on-campus population involved with athletics and almost one-third in arts,” said Dennis Dutton, vice president for enrollment.

Students at Sterling College come from 32 states and 14 foreign countries. The top five states continue to be the same as the past two years, including Kansas, Texas, California, Colorado and Oklahoma. The percent of Texans increased this year, displacing Californians for second place. Kansans make up 49 percent of the College community. Countries outside of the United States include: Spain, Paraguay, South Korea, Italy, United Kingdom, El Salvador, Bahamas, Hungary, New Zealand, Canada, Angola, France, Panama, and Norway.

Sterling College also saw an increase in dual-credit students. With new agreements with Berean Academy High School and a renewed commitment with Sterling High School, there are 87 high school students taking classes at Sterling College.