Dalton State College among top 10% most affordable colleges in nation for 5th year
Dalton, GA (08/11/2026) — Dalton State College is ranked among the top 10% most affordable public four-year colleges in the nation for the fifth consecutive year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Affordability and Transparency Center. Dalton State ranked No. 50 nationally and second among Georgia public institutions for the lowest net price.
The ranking underscores Dalton State's commitment to providing a high-quality education at an accessible cost, helping students earn a degree while minimizing student debt and maximizing career opportunities after graduation.
"Students shouldn't have to choose between affordability and opportunity," Dalton State President John Fuchko said. "We are focused on providing an exceptional education that is accessible and prepares students to step into high-demand careers with little-to-no debt and the confidence to make an immediate impact in their communities and workplaces."
Dalton State's annual net price was $5,625 for the 2023-2024 financial aid year. Net price represents the amount students pay after grants, scholarships, and other financial aid are applied and includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, meals, and transportation costs. The college's tuition and fees were just $3,336 for the 2024-25 academic year.
"The college's low net price helps reduce borrowing, allowing many graduates to enter the workforce with significantly less student debt than national averages," Jami Hall, vice president for student enrollment and success, said. "More than 75% of students from the 2025-2026 academic year graduated with zero student loan debt."
Dalton State's affordability is bolstered by the University System of Georgia's continued efforts to keep tuition costs low for students and families. In May, the Board of Regents approved a 1% increase for in-state undergraduate students for the 2026-2027 academic year-an increase that remains well below the rate of inflation and only the fourth time in 10 years that the Board has increased tuition for Georgia students. Over the past decade, average tuition increases across the University System have remained below 1% annually, helping maintain Georgia's position as one of the nation's best values in public higher education.
The U.S. Department of Education rankings are based primarily on Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data collections that occurred in 2024-2025. Tuition and fee information reflects 2024-2025 academic year data, while net price calculations are based on student aid data from the 2023-2024 financial aid year.
Dalton State College, a member of the University System of Georgia, serves more than 5,500 students in northwest Georgia and beyond through campuses in Dalton and Ellijay and online programs. The college offers 24 bachelor's degree programs and an array of associate degree programs.
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