Dalton State College
Dalton State College has annual tuition of $3,336, average net price of $5,012, and a national rank of #1058 (Grade B), with a 34.7% graduation rate, about 4,553 undergraduates, and median earnings of $52,160 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Dalton State College is a public university in Dalton, GA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Management Information Systems and Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, and 70.9% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 193.4%, roughly 143.5 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is Dalton State College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Dalton State College graduates 34.7% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 70.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Dalton State College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $3,336 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,419 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,270 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $12,719 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 49.9% of Dalton State College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $3,962 annually, while high-income families pay $10,055. Use Dalton State College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $8,114/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $10,055/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $52,160
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,251
- Average Years to Graduate 5.4 years
- Average Student Debt $12,937
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 44.7%
- Employment Rate 85.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Dalton State College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Dalton State College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Dalton State College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Dalton State College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: With a 193.4% return on investment, Dalton State College delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $52,160 median—-14% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,553
- Full-Time Students 62.6%
- Part-Time Students 37.4%
- Retention Rate 70.9%
- Graduation Rate 34.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 21:1
How to Get Into Dalton State College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Dalton State College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Dalton State College is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Dalton State College undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 17.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 17.3%
- Biology, General 11.1%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 8.8%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 6.0%
- Marketing 5.1%
See more majors
- English Language and Literature, General 4.5%
- Psychology, General 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $91,520
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $67,440
- 3. Management Information Systems and Services $61,485
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $58,722
- 5. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $51,564
- 6. Marketing $49,708
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $49,581
- 8. Biology, General $48,533
- 9. Social Work $45,486
- 10. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants $44,135
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $91,520—107% more than Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants ($44,135). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Dalton State College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 181 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 91 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 89 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 57 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 53 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (19 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Marketing
- English Language and Literature, General
- Psychology, General
- Social Work
- Accounting and Related Services
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Management Information Systems and Services
- History
- Chemistry
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Mathematics
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Science Technologies/Technicians, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (7 programs)▼
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,553
- Full-Time Students 62.6%
- Part-Time Students 37.4%
- Male Students 35.8%
- Female Students 64.2%
- Caucasian 49.5%
- Asian 1.6%
- Hispanic 38.7%
- Black 4.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 49.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Dalton State College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Dalton State College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Dalton State College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Dalton State College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Dalton State College has a diverse student body, with 49.5% identifying as White. Women make up 64.2% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Dalton State College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Dalton State College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Dalton State College achieves an impressive 193.4% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #1058 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.
Students graduate to $52,160 median earnings while paying just $5,012 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 34.7% graduation rate and 70.9% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.
High-Value Institution: Why Dalton State College Delivers Strong Returns
EDsmart identifies Dalton State College as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.
The Value Formula: Dalton State College's 193.4% ROI stems from balancing $52,160 median post-graduation earnings against $5,012 annual costs. This ratio outperforms most selective institutions where higher earnings come with prohibitive price tags.
Ideal Candidates: Budget-conscious students seeking maximum financial return. First-generation college students and middle-class families who need affordable paths to solid careers. Students in practical fields (business, healthcare, technology) where degree cost directly impacts lifetime wealth accumulation.
Understanding the Trade-offs: Schools with 193.4% ROI typically offer less brand prestige than elite universities. Career services, research opportunities, and facilities may be less extensive. For fields where institutional reputation matters significantly (law, medicine, academia), higher-ranked alternatives might justify additional investment.
EDsmart Verdict: With a B grade and #1058 ranking, Dalton State College represents smart value for students prioritizing financial outcomes. The school proves that high ROI doesn't require elite selectivity—careful program selection and cost management deliver results.
Key Takeaways
- 34.7% graduation rate sits 27.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.9% first-year retention is 5.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 193.4% return on investment is 143.5 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $52,160 run about 14% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $5,012 is roughly $15,067 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 21:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 70.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.3% employment rate within three years sits 17.1 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Dalton State College—a public university in Dalton, GA—at B overall. It holds a #1058 national ranking Completion earns D-, Support B, Career Outcomes C, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 70.9% retention and 34.7% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 193.4%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $5,012 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $12,719.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,707 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,937 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 49.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $52,160 at the median. That sits about 14% below the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 85.3%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 193.4%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Dalton State College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Dalton State College cost?
At Dalton State College, listed tuition and fees are $3,336 per year, and the average net price after aid is $5,012. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Dalton State College's ranking?
Dalton State College ranks #1058 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Dalton State College's graduation rate?
At Dalton State College, the graduation rate is 34.7%, and first-year retention is 70.9%.
What are Dalton State College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Dalton State College report median earnings of $52,160 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Dalton State College's student population?
Dalton State College enrolls about 4,553 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Dalton, GA 30720-3797
- Website www.daltonstate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$20.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate31.4%