National and Regional Rankings
Top 10% in the Nation for Student Experience
The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings
The Student Experience ranking is based on three categories – campus facilities, community and social life, and diversity on campus.
Top 10% most affordable colleges in the nation
U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center Lists 2025
Dalton State College is ranked among the top 10% public four-year colleges in the nation for affordability.
#1 Top Public College in Georgia
US. News and World Reports Best Colleges 2026
Dalton State College has earned recognition in three categories of U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, standing out as No. 1 in Georgia and No. 11 overall on the Top Public Schools in the South list.
#1 Best Value
James Magazine Top 2024
Dalton State ranked No. 1 Best Value in Georgia for affordability and quality academics.
Great College to Work For
Great Colleges to Work For® program 2025
Dalton State College is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program.
Nationally Ranked for Contribution to Public Good
Washington Monthly 2025 Bachelor’s Colleges Rankings
Dalton State ranked No. 8 in the nation for contribution to public good. Rankings are based on four broad categories: access, affordability, outcomes, and promoting public service.