Dalton State College ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$13,132
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$2,491/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.3 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
279%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The one-year earnings for Dalton State College graduates are $41,241, exceeding the in-state tuition cost of $3,283 by a significant margin. The median debt for graduates is $12,937. With a 15% aid rate, a portion of students receive financial assistance.
The five-year earnings are $37,491, and the ten-year earnings are $40,251. The graduation rate is 26%, and the retention rate is 59.5%.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$3,283
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,937
Median Earnings (5yr)
$37,491
Graduation Rate
26%
Receive Financial Aid
15%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $31,221 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $78,123 | 6468% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,065 | 519% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,818 | 1395% |
| Biology, General | $39,807 | 632% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $36,617 | 146% |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants | $39,211 | 541% |
| Marketing | $48,509 | 1957% |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | $0 | N/A |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $51,209 | 2369% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $29,463 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $36,387 | 111% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.