Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Dalton State College vary significantly by field of study, with nursing leading at $78,123 while humanities programs produce more modest earnings. The analysis below evaluates programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal data.
Use these rankings to understand how different career paths perform in the labor market rather than relying on reputation or prestige measures.
Analyzing 13 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out for strong earnings, national rankings, and enrollment patterns within Dalton State's focused program portfolio.
#139 nationally
$30K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national and state rankings, cohort sizes, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Dalton State College.
Business programs show varied outcomes, with Digital Marketing leading at $48,509 and Business Administration at $44,818. Both programs rank competitively in Georgia and demonstrate excellent-to-good debt affordability.
Digital Marketing achieves stronger per-student outcomes despite smaller cohort size, while Business Administration serves the college's largest program population. These programs suit students seeking versatile career preparation with manageable debt burdens.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Resources Management.Small sample | #83 | $54,770 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes using College Scorecard data, not academic reputation or prestige measures. Earnings differences within the same institution occur because graduates enter different career fields with varying compensation structures and advancement patterns. Rankings compare programs nationally against similar majors at other institutions, while value scores incorporate both earnings and debt sustainability. These outcomes require minimum cohort sizes for federal reporting, ensuring statistical reliability. Students should consider both absolute earnings and debt affordability when evaluating program fit, as Dalton State's exceptional affordability creates strong return on investment across multiple fields despite varying earnings levels.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 14 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.Small sample | #260 | $50,690 | — | 18 |
| Digital Marketing. | #179 | $48,509 | — | 26 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #296 | $44,818 | — | 89 |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing stands out as Dalton State's highest-earning program at $78,123, ranking #146 nationally and #7 in Georgia. This program demonstrates exceptional debt capacity with excellent affordability ratings and strong return on investment.
Health programs at Dalton State offer the clearest pathway to higher earnings and career stability, making them ideal for students prioritizing immediate post-graduation income potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #139 | $78,123 | — | 45 |
Biology, General produces moderate earnings of $39,807 with good debt affordability ratings despite ranking #305 nationally. The program serves 57 students annually and maintains steady outcomes for those entering biological sciences careers or continuing to graduate study.
This program works best for students planning graduate school pathways or research-oriented career goals where initial earnings are less critical.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #308 | $39,807 | — | 57 |
Psychology, General produces earnings of $36,387 with manageable debt affordability for graduates entering counseling, social services, or continuing to graduate study. The program serves 20 students annually and ranks competitively within Georgia.
Psychology suits students planning advanced degrees or careers where initial earnings are secondary to long-term professional development and service orientation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Social Work.Small sample | #162 | $42,505★ | — | 19 |
| Psychology, General. | #312 | $36,387 | — | 20 |
Advertising. leads communications with 30K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising.Small sample | #80 | $29,594 | — | 17 |
English Language and Literature produces the most modest earnings at $29,463 with concerning debt affordability requiring income-based repayment options. Despite ranking challenges, the program serves students entering education, communications, or graduate study pathways.
This program demands careful financial planning but supports students passionate about literature, writing, and communication careers where degree credentials provide long-term value beyond immediate earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States).Small sample | #273 | $38,495★ | — | 11 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #303 | $29,463 | — | 23 |
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching ranks #118 nationally with median earnings of $39,065 and strong value scores of 46.3. Despite modest absolute earnings, this program demonstrates good debt affordability and serves as one of Dalton State's flagship offerings with 91 graduates annually.
Education programs are well-suited for students committed to public service careers and seeking strong institutional support for degree completion.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #122 | $39,065 | — | 91 |
Corrections Administration generates earnings of $36,617 with manageable debt affordability despite ranking challenges nationally and statewide. The program serves 31 students annually in Georgia's corrections and law enforcement sectors.
Students should expect extended loan payoff periods but stable career pathways in public safety professions that value degree credentials over earnings optimization.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #194 | $36,617 | — | 31 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
