Dalton State College was ranked among the top 10% best colleges in the nation for Student Experience in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings. For the second consecutive year, Dalton State also ranked No. 2 in the nation as the college most highly recommended by their students and recent alumni – No. 1 in the South.
“Remaining among the top ten percent for student experience in the nation reinforces our commitment to provide our students with a transformational college experience that prepares them for academic and professional success,” John Fuchko, president of Dalton State, said.
The 2025 Best Colleges ranking rated 500 of the top colleges and universities across the nation.
The student experience ranking is based on three categories – campus facilities, community and social life, and diversity on campus. Each category accounted for one-third of the overall ranking score.
The top 10 recommendation ranking is based on how likely surveyed students and recent alumni were to recommend their alma mater to others.
In other categories included in the ranking Dalton State was ranked at 113 for social mobility and 67 for best value. Both categories illustrate Dalton State’s affordability and return on investment for graduates.
Dalton State serves more than 5,000 students through campuses in Dalton and Ellijay and online. The college offers 24 bachelor’s degree programs and seven associate degrees.
