At $4,694/yr net price, Dalton State College graduates earn $40,251/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,251/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,694 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,776 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,251/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,251/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,937 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,109/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,616/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,260/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,079/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,924/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
29.6% of students at Dalton State College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Dalton State College delivers strong financial value if you choose the right program, but graduation rates create significant risk. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $63,005 annually against just $14,699 in debt, making it one of the best healthcare ROI deals in Georgia.
Your program choice determines everything at this school. Nursing and allied health graduates earn $48,000 to $63,000, while the overall median of $40,251 suggests many other programs underperform. Management Information Systems offers decent returns at $42,682, but avoid programs not listed in the top earners.
The 29.6% graduation rate poses your biggest financial risk. Nearly three in four students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 59.5% retention rate signals many students struggle from year one.
You should consider Dalton State if you can commit to nursing or allied health programs and have strong academic preparation. The $4,694 net price makes it accessible, and healthcare job demand in northwest Georgia supports graduates well. The low debt burden of $12,937 means even average earners can manage payments.
Skip this school if you lack clear career focus or struggle academically. The low graduation rates suggest insufficient support systems for at-risk students. You would find better ROI at Georgia's technical colleges for healthcare programs or stronger four-year schools for other fields.
Financial aid reaches about half of students, typical for a regional public college. Focus on completing your degree quickly to maximize returns and minimize risk of joining the majority who leave empty-handed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dalton State College worth the cost?
Dalton State College offers good value with a low net price of $4,694 per year and modest debt levels around $13,000. However, the 30% graduation rate is concerning and may impact your ability to complete your degree.
What programs at Dalton State College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Dalton State College provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $63,000 annually. Allied health programs also perform well with starting salaries near $49,000, making them solid choices for career prospects.
How much debt do Dalton State College graduates typically have?
Dalton State College graduates who borrow have median debt of about $13,000, which is relatively manageable. The low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing minimal compared to other colleges.
Do Dalton State College graduates earn enough to justify the investment?
Overall graduate earnings of $40,251 ten years after enrollment are modest but reasonable given the low cost. Nursing and health program graduates earn significantly more, while other majors may struggle to reach strong financial returns.