Dalton State College: $3,283 Tuition

$3,283Tuition

4,419Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,251Earnings

Public4-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Dalton State College

Dalton State College serves northwest Georgia as a commuter-focused institution with particularly strong nursing and education programs. The college enrolls 4,419 students in a small city setting, drawing nearly all of its student body from within Georgia (95.89% in-state). Students here often balance coursework with work and family responsibilities, reflecting the college's mission to provide accessible higher education to the region.

The financial picture tells a story of affordability with mixed returns. Students pay an average net price of $4,694 after aid, making this one of the more budget-friendly options in Georgia. Graduates earn a median of $40,251 ten years after enrollment, while carrying relatively modest debt loads with a median of $12,937. Monthly loan payments average just $137, though the loan repayment rate of 44.74% suggests some graduates struggle to keep up with payments.

The graduation story reveals challenges typical of commuter schools. Only 26% of students finish in four years, with the six-year rate reaching just 29.6%. The retention rate of 59.51% reflects the reality that many students here face competing priorities beyond academics. With women making up 62% of enrollment and a growing Hispanic population at 37.29%, the student body increasingly reflects the changing demographics of northwest Georgia.

Academics & Faculty

Dalton State College has built its reputation around practical programs that prepare students for careers in high-demand fields. The school is particularly known for its nursing program, which feeds into the region's healthcare industry. Education programs are another strength, training teachers for northwest Georgia schools. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors in smaller classes. However, the 29.60% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face balancing academics with work and family responsibilities. The college serves a largely local population, with 95.89% of students from Georgia. Students benefit from affordable tuition at $3,283 in-state, making career-focused education accessible to working-class families.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 67.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 26.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.6%
Retention Rate: 59.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,251
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$63,005
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$49,436
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$49,136
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$48,432
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$42,682
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$40,275
Marketing.	Bachelor	$36,668
Social Work.	Bachelor	$36,437
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$35,653
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$35,416

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

Nearly 96% of Dalton State's 4,419 students come from Georgia, creating a tight-knit community feel in this northwest Georgia college town. The campus sits about 90 miles north of Atlanta, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where you'll need both a light jacket for winter and plenty of sunscreen for Georgia's humid summers. With housing for only 365 students, just 8% live on campus, making this primarily a commuter school where most students drive home after classes.

The Roadrunners compete in six NAIA sports with 94 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics at this teaching-focused institution. Students often head to nearby Chattanooga (30 minutes away) for weekend entertainment, while outdoor enthusiasts explore the surrounding mountains and state parks. The 62% female student body reflects the college's strength in nursing and education programs. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, expect smaller class sizes despite the public school setting. Many students work part-time jobs in Dalton's carpet manufacturing industry, which dominates the local economy.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 365 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	5	4
Rape	3	3
Dating Violence	2	2
Burglary	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	1
Fondling	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–50°F
July Avg: 68°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 55.3"
Annual Snowfall: 2.5"

Student Demographics

Dalton State draws students primarily from northwest Georgia, with 96% coming from in-state. The school serves as an accessible pathway for local families seeking affordable higher education. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class communities in the carpet manufacturing region. Women make up 62% of enrollment, largely driven by popular nursing and education programs that traditionally attract female students. The student body is 51% white and 37% Hispanic, mirroring the demographics of the greater Dalton area's diverse population.

Men: 37.9%
Women: 62.1%
White: 51.4%
Black: 4.3%
Hispanic: 37.3%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 95.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 49.8%

Location

Dalton sits in northwest Georgia, about 90 miles north of Atlanta. The city of 34,000 calls itself the "Carpet Capital of the World" because it produces roughly 70% of America's carpet and flooring. Students at Dalton State find themselves in a small industrial city surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The campus serves a heavily local population, with 95.89% of students coming from Georgia. Housing capacity accommodates just 365 students, reflecting the commuter-friendly nature of this regional institution. The mountainous terrain and proximity to Tennessee create a distinct North Georgia atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Dalton State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Dalton, Georgia 30720-3797

Liberal Arts Building - Dalton State College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,251
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,933
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $137/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,937

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Dalton State College?

Dalton State College maintains an open admission policy typical of Georgia's public state colleges, making it accessible to students across northwest Georgia. With 95.89% of students coming from in-state, the college serves as a regional educational center. The retention rate of 59.51% suggests students need strong self-motivation to succeed in this less selective environment.

What does Dalton State College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,694 annually, making Dalton State one of Georgia's most affordable four-year options. Nearly half of all students (49.77%) receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working-class families. Graduates leave with a median debt of just $12,937, well below national averages.

What academic programs is Dalton State College known for?

Dalton State College has built its reputation around nursing and education programs that serve the regional workforce needs. The student-faculty ratio of 20:1 provides reasonable access to professors across its program offerings. With 62.10% female enrollment, the college reflects the gender composition typical of institutions strong in education and healthcare fields.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Dalton State College?

Graduates earn a median salary of $40,251 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical, regional career preparation. The employment rate of 96.3% shows strong job placement success. However, only 29.60% of students graduate within six years, indicating many attend part-time while working.

What is campus life like at Dalton State College?

Campus housing accommodates just 365 students out of 4,419 total enrollment, making Dalton State primarily a commuter school. The Roadrunners compete in six NAIA sports with 94 total athletes receiving $246,256 in athletic scholarships. The small-city setting in Dalton provides a close-knit community atmosphere for this regionally-focused college.

How diverse is the student body at Dalton State College?

Dalton State College reflects the changing demographics of northwest Georgia, with 37.29% Hispanic students and 51.41% white students. This diversity mirrors the region's growing Latino population, particularly in Dalton's carpet manufacturing industry. The college serves as an important pathway for first-generation college students, with nearly half receiving Pell Grants.