Head-to-head · 2026
Dalton State College vs Georgia Highlands College
Compare average net price ($5,012 at Dalton State College; $6,928 at Georgia Highlands College), ROI score (20.08 vs 15.58), ten-year median earnings ($40,251 vs $43,184), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Dalton State College; Open / not reported at Georgia Highlands College) using federal College Scorecard data. Dalton State College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Dalton State College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Dalton State College | Georgia Highlands College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 20.08 ✓ | 15.58 |
| Avg net price | $5,012 ✓ | $6,928 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,251 | $43,184 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 25.3% ✓ | 20.7% |
| Median debt | $12,937 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,553 | 4,761 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Georgia Highlands College costs $1,916 more per year than Dalton State College ($6,928 vs $5,012). Georgia Highlands College graduates report $2,933 higher median earnings after ten years ($43,184 vs $40,251). On EduGradify's model that puts Dalton State College ahead on projected ROI (20.08 vs 15.58, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Dalton State College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Dalton State College vs Georgia Highlands College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Dalton State College or Georgia Highlands College the better value?
Dalton State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (20.08 vs 15.58), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Dalton State College is cheaper — average net price $5,012 per year vs $6,928 at Georgia Highlands College. The annual difference of $1,916 adds up to about $7,664 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Georgia Highlands College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $43,184 vs $40,251 at Dalton State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,933.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Dalton State College reports a A+ value grade; Georgia Highlands College reports A.