Dalton State College has become synonymous with exceptional student experience, earning high marks in national rankings. The college’s commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive environment has not only attracted students from across the globe but also fostered a community where students thrive academically and socially.
“At Dalton State, our primary mission is to ensure that students graduate with the skills needed to be successful in their future careers,” John Fuchko, Dalton State president, said. “Providing a robust student experience is an integral part of achieving this goal. We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders, and our commitment to a supportive and enriching environment is reflected in our national rankings.”
Dalton State has been ranked as having one of the best student experiences in the nation. In 2024, Dalton State ranked number one in the nation for student experience, and in 2025, Dalton State was ranked among the top 10% best colleges in the nation for student experience in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings.
The student experience ranking is based on three categories: community and social life, campus facilities and diversity on campus. Each category accounted for one-third of the overall ranking score.
Dalton State is dedicated to supporting student growth both inside and outside the classroom through a variety of programs, leadership opportunities and campus events designed to help students make the most of their college experience.
“The student leadership opportunities at Dalton State are a true blessing,” said Pat Pickard, senior engineering major and Student Government Association president. “They create a unique student experience that you just can’t find anywhere else. These experiences have helped me develop professional skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership. Plus, they’ve given me a stronger voice not just on campus, but in the community too. And let me tell you, I’ve made some of the best friendships through these opportunities!”
Pickard said his involvement in various groups like CAB (Campus Activity Board), the Orientation Team, SGA (Student Government Association), and AKL (Alpha Kappa Lambda) have been instrumental in shaping his college journey.
There are several hundred campus events hosted by departments and student groups on campus each year with more than 14,000 total event attendees since the start of the fall 2024 semester. Students from all academic levels, both commuter and residential, attend these on-campus engagement opportunities that provide an opportunity for students to connect and build relationships.
“The events on campus play a huge role in supporting social life and building a sense of community,” Pickard said. “I started working on organizing events on campus as a member of CAB before I even attended them, and it was such a rewarding experience to contribute to the student experience at Dalton State. I loved watching students get to know each other and form friendships.”
Dalton State has been diligent in renovating and constructing facilities on campus to accommodate for the college’s continued enrollment growth, increasing from 524 students in 1967 to nearly 5,000 students today. Every building on campus has either been renovated or newly constructed within the past two decades.
In 2021 the Bandy Gymnasium was approved for renovation. At that time, approximately one-third of the building was unusable. The renovation concluded in fall 2024 and included expanding the workout facility for a fitness center and an indoor walking track to provide additional recreation space and healthy activities for students to engage in between classes.
Pickard recalled how playing intramural basketball games in Bandy Gymnasium fostered his deep involvement on campus.
“I had a blast playing pickup games and was invited to join a team. That’s where I met a bunch of people who were already engaged on campus, and I got to hear about their experiences and how they got involved,” Pickard said.
As an access institution that serves a broad spectrum of students, including many first-generation college students, Dalton State prides itself on fostering a culture of care and sense of belonging on campus.
Beginning college for the first time as a nontraditional student Josh Davis, sophomore organizational leadership major, said the experience was best described as intimidating, but the diversity of his peers across campus made the new journey more comfortable.
“After being out of school for 12 years and focusing that time on working to now taking care of my family, I felt as if I would not be successful at the collegiate level,” Davis said. “After taking a few courses, it became clear that the culture surrounding Dalton State is inclusive of everyone, regardless of age or background, which is comforting.”
Davis described his struggles and challenges he faced his first semester, but he ultimately found success through confidence and support for the campus community.
“What seemed to be an uphill struggle turned into confidence, not only within myself, but with my academic progression as well. Today, I am proud to be a Sophomore at Dalton State, with a 3.22 GPA,” Davis said. “My 18-year-old self would be proud to see the progress I have made. With the help of advisors, professors, and peers alike, I feel as though my chance of success has increased exponentially.”
