Sterling College is a Christ Centered, four-year liberal arts college located in Sterling, Kansas with a mission "to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith." The school is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and The Higher Learning Commission. The college was founded in 1887 by the Synod of Kansas of the United Presbyterian Church of North America as Cooper Memorial College. It changed its name to Sterling in 1920. When the Presbyterian Church (USA) came into existence in 1958, the newly formed Presbyterian Synod of Kansas considered combining Sterling and the College of Emporia. Sterling nearly declared bankruptcy in 1982, but was saved by a campaign that raised $3.8-million. Sterling College launched e.Sterling, its online programs in 2007 in hopes of bringing its message to a larger audience. Students can now complete portions of their bachelor's degree online. Sterling College and Habitat for Humanity International formed a partnership in September 2000.