Dalton State College
Dalton, Georgia · Public
ROI Score: 41/100 · Poor Value
Dalton State College earns a Poor Value tier with an ROI score of 41 out of 100. The Dalton, Georgia public regional college is a striking example of a low-cost institution where institutional metrics underperform despite genuinely affordable economics. In-state tuition is just $3,336 (out-of-state $10,656), with a net price of $5,012 making four-year cost-of-attendance only $20,048. That's among the most affordable public bachelor's programs in the database. Median 6-year earnings of $28,000 produce a 30.5-year payback period despite the low cost, because earnings are simply too low to recoup costs at typical break-even calculations. The dominant problem is the 25.3% completion rate: three out of four students don't finish, and many leave with debt despite low tuition. Where the program-level data shows up, results are surprisingly strong: B+ ROI grades on biology and criminal justice, A on nursing, B on accounting and business administration. Dalton State works for completers; the systemic issue is getting students to graduation.
The data raises concerns about Dalton State College
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score41/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate25.3% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
- Payback period30.5 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Dalton State College
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $3,336/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $10,656/yr |
| Average net price | $5,012/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $20,048 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,251 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $28,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $12,937 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $137 |
| Estimated payback period | 30.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 25.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,553 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Dalton State College is $3,336/year ($10,656/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $5,012/year, or roughly $20,048 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $3,962/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $10,055/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $12,937 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $137 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $40,251 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.46 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,962 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,788 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,042 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,114 |
| $110,001+ | $10,055 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning $0-30K pay $3,962 net annually, with $30,001-48,000 households paying slightly less at $3,788. Those four-year totals of $15K-$16K are genuinely affordable: among the most accessible price points in the database. Pell-eligible students with clear program direction get exceptional value here if they complete.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income brackets pay $6,042 to $8,114 net annually, putting four-year costs at $24K-$33K. This bracket sees Dalton State's strongest value proposition versus all alternatives: even non-completers face limited debt, and completers in nursing, accounting, or business get strong B-grade outcomes.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110K pay $10,055 net annually, or about $40K over four years. That remains substantially below most private alternatives. The institution's value at this income tier depends entirely on completion: if the student finishes in a strong-ROI major, the math works; if not, they have debt and no degree.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Dalton State College with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $60,331 | B |
| Teacher Education | $45,604 | C+ |
| Biology | $47,218 | B+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $48,341 | B+ |
| Psychology | $41,357 | C |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $29,594 | - |
| Accounting | $66,902 | B |
| Registered Nursing | $84,253 | A |
| Social Work | $47,420 | - |
| English Language and Literature | $45,747 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing has 19 graduates per year and earns the only A ROI grade at Dalton State. First-year median earnings of $78,830 climb modestly to $84,253 by year four, against $17,312 median debt for an exceptional 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio. Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga regional nursing labor markets are tight, and Dalton State's clinical partnerships drive consistent placement. This is the strongest financial outcome on campus.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is Dalton State's largest cohort with 91 graduates per year. First-year earnings of $43,424 climb to $60,331 by year four, against $18,810 median debt for a 0.433 debt-to-earnings ratio and B ROI grade. The combination of low tuition and reasonable post-graduation earnings makes this one of the strongest mid-tier business programs in the database for cost-conscious students.
Accounting
Accounting has 21 graduates per year with first-year earnings of $51,841 climbing to $66,902 by year four. With $20,582 median debt the 0.397 debt-to-earnings ratio earns a B ROI grade. Strong CPA pathway preparation at very low cost makes this one of the best-value accounting programs in the regional Georgia public system.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice has 33 graduates per year with first-year earnings of $37,856 climbing to $48,341 by year four. With just $10,550 median debt the 0.279 debt-to-earnings ratio earns a B+ ROI grade. The very low debt load makes this an attractive pathway for students entering Georgia state and federal law enforcement careers, where compensation is structurally moderate but the credential is required for advancement.
Biology
Biology has 42 graduates per year with first-year earnings of $30,839 climbing to $47,218 by year four. With just $10,323 median debt the 0.335 debt-to-earnings ratio earns a B+ ROI grade. The low debt picture makes biology a much more defensible bachelor's-only major at Dalton State than at most institutions, since the affordability cushion offsets the typically modest early-career earnings of biology graduates.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 59.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 65.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 45.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 52.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 4,553 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 49.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,570 |
Admission rate is not reported in current Scorecard data, which is typical for some University System of Georgia regional colleges that operate as broad-access institutions. SAT and ACT scores are also not reported. The 25.3% completion rate combined with the broad-access mission reflects a regional Georgia population including many first-generation college students, working adults, and ESL learners from Dalton's substantial Hispanic community.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Among Dalton State's peer set, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is its closest in-state regional public peer with similar broad-access mission and modest outcomes. Albany State University is a public Georgia comparable on enrollment scale. Northwest Missouri State, McNeese State (Louisiana), and Northeastern State (Oklahoma) are regional public peers in the same broad mid-tier. Dalton State's 41 ROI score is in the middle of this peer group, with Northwest Missouri State and McNeese typically outperforming on completion-driven metrics.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalton State College (this school) | 41 | $5,012 | $40,251 |
| Northwest Missouri State University | 43 | $16,244 | $47,885 |
| McNeese State University | 42 | $12,493 | $46,453 |
| Northeastern State University | 39 | $12,710 | $45,379 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | 20 | $6,842 | $34,996 |
| Albany State University | 14 | $11,898 | $40,674 |
Who Thrives Here
Dalton State fits in-state Georgia students from northwest Georgia and the Chattanooga area seeking very affordable public education with clear program tracks, particularly in nursing, accounting, business, and criminal justice. With 4,553 enrolled and a 49.9% Pell rate, the institution serves a heavily working-class and first-generation population. Best fit for committed students with clear major direction; high risk for unprepared or undecided students given the 25.3% completion rate that means most entrants don't graduate. Hispanic-Serving Institution status is a real differentiator for that community.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Dalton State College. With a net cost of $5,012 per year and median graduate earnings of only $40,251 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 30.5 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Key strengths include manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows a 25.3% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $12,937 against $40,251 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.