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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $11,292 |
| Tuition and Fees | $10,189 |
| Room and Board | $10,128 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,743 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$6,598 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $4,694 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $3,109 |
| $30–48k | $3,616 |
| $48–75k | $6,260 |
| $75–110k | $8,079 |
| $110k+ | $9,924 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Dalton State College maintains exceptionally low debt levels with median borrowing of $12,937, ranking at the 88th percentile nationally and $8,168 below the peer median of $21,105. Debt ranges from $3,276 at the 25th percentile to $17,640 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across all student populations.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 falls well within manageable ranges, meaning typical graduates dedicate roughly one-third of their first-year earnings to total educational debt. Parent PLUS median debt of $8,703 results in monthly payments of $115, reflecting modest family borrowing levels.
These debt outcomes reflect the college's exceptional affordability rather than high-income student populations, creating favorable long-term financial positions for graduates despite modest earnings levels.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Dalton State College delivers strong return on investment through the combination of minimal debt and earnings beyond expectations. Graduates achieve $6,900 in earnings uplift compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 79.1st percentile for value-added performance.
While median earnings of $40,251 rank modestly at the 16th percentile, they significantly exceed the educational investment required. The college's debt levels rank $8,168 below peer institutions while maintaining comparable access and outcomes, creating exceptional value.
This positions Dalton State among institutions that maximize economic mobility relative to educational costs, particularly valuable for first-generation and lower-income students seeking affordable pathways to degree completion and career advancement.
Dalton State College's financial aid strategy strongly supports access for lower-income students, evidenced by the 49.8% Pell share significantly exceeding typical public college averages. The $6,598 difference between sticker price and average net price demonstrates substantial institutional aid leveraging federal and state resources.
Aid concentration toward lower-income tiers creates a progressive cost structure where families earning under $48,000 pay less than half the amount of higher-income families. This aid targeting aligns with the college's mission as an access institution serving first-generation and economically diverse student populations.
The combination of low base costs and need-based aid creates exceptional value particularly for Georgia residents from modest economic backgrounds.
