Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 26.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 29.6%
- Retention Rate
- 59.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,251
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,937
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $137/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $14,699 |
| 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 | $18,100 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $36,668 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $36,437 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,653 | $16,959 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,416 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,687 | $9,007 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,467 | $15,700 |
| History. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $8,454 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,421 | $9,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Dalton State graduates earn a median of $40,251 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $12,937. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 32%, well below the concerning 40% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $137 represent just 4% of median income. The college's strong nursing and education programs feed into stable career paths with steady employment prospects. Nearly all graduates find work, with a 96.3% employment rate reflecting the practical nature of Dalton's career-focused programs. Many nursing graduates enter Georgia's healthcare system, while education majors often teach in northwest Georgia school districts. Given the low debt burden and reliable career outcomes, Dalton State offers a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable professional preparation.