College Costs in Dalton, GA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Dalton, Georgia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$555
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Dalton Overview
Population
34,200
Student Population
3,336 (9.8%)
Cost of Living Index
82.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Dalton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,080
Total After Financial Aid
$95,080
Annual Cost
$23,770
Annual After Aid
$23,770
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,080 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,080 |
| Total Interest | $34,474 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,554 |
Universities in Dalton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Dalton State University | Public | $9,005 |
| Dalton Community College | Community | $5,277 |
Dalton has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Dalton vs. National Average
| Category | Dalton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $555 | $1,050 | -$495 |
| Cost of Living Index | 82.8 | 100 | -17.200000000000003 |
Dalton's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Dalton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,336 students
Dalton has a total population of 34,200, with approximately 3,336 college students (9.8% of the population). Dalton has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Dalton
$21,447
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Dalton earn a median starting salary of $21,447, which is -$13,553 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,080 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,251 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Georgia
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Columbus
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