Best Online Psychology Programs in Sterling, IL (2026)
Sterling, Illinois has a population of about 14,670. The city’s median household income is $52,647 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 18.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited psychology programs within 100 miles of Sterling. In Illinois, the top-earning psychology-related role is Clinical and Counseling Psychologist at a median $97,470 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Psychology Schools to Sterling
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer psychology programs. Distances are calculated from Sterling city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford University | Rockford, IL | 47.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northern Illinois University | Dekalb, IL | 48.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Augustana College | Rock Island, IL | 48.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | 49.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport, IA | 49.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois psychology page.
Psychology Wages Near Sterling
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Illinois, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist | $97,470 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | N/A |
| School Psychologist | $80,220 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $61,210 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $60,140 |
| Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor | $59,570 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $68,710 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $58,090 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Sterling at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 14,670 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $52,647 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 18.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Psychology-related employment in Whiteside County | 470 workers, 58 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Sterling-Area Cities With Psychology Programs
- Clinton, IA – 28.3 mi away (30,930 pop)
- Freeport, IL – 34.0 mi away (24,717 pop)
- East Moline, IL – 40.6 mi away (21,135 pop)
- Peru, IL – 42.6 mi away (30,795 pop)
- Bettendorf, IA – 43.4 mi away (35,727 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited psychology programs are near Sterling, IL?
Our directory lists 5 psychology programs within 100 miles of Sterling. The closest is Rockford University in Rockford, IL (47.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Eastern Iowa Community College District (49.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying psychology roles in Illinois?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying psychology-related roles in Illinois are: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist ($97,470), School Psychologist ($80,220), Healthcare Social Worker ($68,710). Wages for Sterling workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Clinton instead of Sterling?
Clinton, IA is 28.3 miles from Sterling and has its own set of local psychology programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Sterling an affordable place to study psychology?
Sterling’s median household income of $52,647 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Sterling while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Illinois public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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