Dalton State College is number one in Georgia and ranked 52 nationally among public four-year institutions for net price, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Education’s Affordability and Transparency Center. The report lists the top 10% of public four-year institutions with the lowest net prices based on the 2021-22 academic year and lowest tuition and fees based on the 2022-23 academic year.
Dalton State’s annual net price for 2021-22 was $5,532, including in-state tuition and fees and other costs associated with being a student, such as books, supplies, room and board, and transportation after all financial aid is applied. The national average net price for public four-year institutions was $13,012. This is the third consecutive year Dalton State has appeared on the top 10% lowest net price list.
“Pursuing a degree at Dalton State is a short-term investment with lifelong benefits,” John Fuchko, president of Dalton State College, said. “The average four-year degree recipient will earn more than $1 million dollars in additional salary over a lifetime than individuals without a four-year degree. We think this is a great deal—particularly as most of our students graduate with no debt.”
Eighty-three percent of Dalton State’s 2022-23 graduates completed degrees without student loans.
Dalton State ranked 69 among 765 institutions nationally for lowest tuition and fees. In-state tuition and fees for full-time students in 2022-23 was $3,283—less than half of the national average tuition and fees for public four-year institutions.
The University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents kept tuition flat at all but one USG institution for six of the past eight years and approved a slight 2.5% in-state tuition increase for 2024-25. Dalton State’s tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic year will total less than $4,000 for full-time, in-state students, remaining more than 50% lower than the national average. Tennessee resident students also qualify for in-state tuition and fees at Dalton State.
“Our students receive a quality education and robust student experience at an affordable price,” Fuchko, said. “As an institution and USG member, we are committed to ensuring our affordability, quality programs, and nationally ranked student experience endure for generations of students to come.”
In addition to ranking in the top 10% in the nation for affordability, The Wall Street Journal ranked Dalton State as Number One in the Nation for Student Experience in 2024, based on campus facilities, community and social life, and diversity on campus.
James Magazine recently ranked Dalton State Number One Best Value in Georgia based on overall net price, return on investment, and quality of education.
