Dalton State College combines exceptional affordability with meaningful economic mobility outcomes. The college delivers $6,900 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining the lowest debt levels among peers, creating strong return on investment for cost-conscious students and families seeking accessible higher education.
Below average, indicating challenges in absolute earnings levels despite strong value-added performance
With exceptional performance, reflecting extremely low net costs and minimal debt burdens
With excellent performance, driven by high enrollment of Pell-eligible (49.8%) and first-generation (51.2%) students
Around the national average, reflecting the institution's role in serving students who achieve modest but meaningful economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisDalton State College delivers strong value through exceptional affordability combined with earnings that exceed expectations. Graduates earn $6,900 beyond predicted outcomes based on student demographics, placing the college at the 79.1st percentile for earnings uplift nationally.
While median earnings of $40,251 rank at the 16th percentile, this represents meaningful economic advancement for the student population served. The college maintains extremely low debt levels with median borrowing of $12,937, well below the peer median of $21,105, resulting in a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32.
Students seeking affordable education with strong return on investment, particularly those from first-generation and lower-income backgrounds. Best for students who prioritize manageable debt levels and earnings beyond expectations, though median earnings remain below national averages.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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Exceptional affordability with earnings beyond expectations
Dalton State College ranks #252 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with overall performance at the 84.6th percentile. Located in Dalton, Georgia, this medium-sized public college demonstrates exceptional affordability while delivering earnings beyond expectations for its student population.
Dalton State enrolls 49.8% Pell-eligible students and 51.2% first-generation students, positioning it as an access-focused institution serving diverse economic backgrounds. The college also enrolls 35.2% transfer students, reflecting its role in providing educational pathways for non-traditional learners.
Despite modest completion rates of 29.6% and retention rates of 59.5%, graduates achieve $6,900 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 79.1st percentile nationally for value-added performance.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Dalton State College demonstrates exceptional affordability with a published cost of attendance of $11,292 annually, including $3,283 in-state tuition, $10,128 for room and board, and $1,743 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $4,694 after financial aid, representing savings of $6,598 compared to the sticker price.
This net price ranks among the lowest nationally and sits $9,399 below the peer median of $14,093. The college's affordability index ranks at the 97.9th percentile nationally, placing it among the most affordable institutions we track.
For Georgia residents, the combination of low in-state tuition and substantial financial aid creates exceptional value. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $10,189, though financial aid significantly reduces actual costs for most families.
Dalton State College graduates earn $40,251 ten years after enrollment, with earnings ranging from $24,619 at the 25th percentile to $56,194 at the 75th percentile. The 2.3:1 ratio between top and bottom quartile earnings reflects program diversity and career pathway differences.
Median earnings demonstrate steady growth from $37,491 at six years to $40,251 at ten years, representing 7.4% growth over this period. Based on a ten-year cohort of 2,859 graduates, these outcomes provide high confidence in reported figures.
Low-income graduates earn $32,100, which while modest in absolute terms, represents meaningful economic mobility for the demographic served. Approximately 21.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
The college's strength lies not in producing high absolute earnings but in delivering positive economic outcomes relative to student backgrounds and expectations.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
45 graduates
Information Resources Management.
14 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
18 graduates
Digital Marketing.
26 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
89 graduates
Dalton State College offers 8 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing produces the strongest outcomes, ranking #146 nationally and #7 in Georgia, with 45 graduates earning $78,123 and achieving a value score of 47.1.
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching ranks #118 nationally and #9 in Georgia, graduating 91 students with median earnings of $39,065 and a strong value score of 46.3. Business Administration and Management represents the college's largest program with 89 graduates earning $44,818.
Digital Marketing ranks #176 nationally and #8 in Georgia, producing 26 graduates with earnings of $48,509. Biology, General graduates 57 students earning $39,807, while smaller programs in Criminal Justice, Psychology, and English serve additional student populations with varying outcomes.
