Head-to-head · 2026
Dalton State College vs Valdosta State University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Dalton State College, 2 for Valdosta State University — Dalton State College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Dalton State College | Valdosta State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 20.08 ✓ | 11.27 |
| Avg net price | $5,012 ✓ | $10,945 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,251 | $49,361 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 72.3% |
| Graduation rate | 25.3% | 42.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,937 ✓ | $24,779 |
| Enrollment | 4,553 | 6,622 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1013 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Valdosta State University costs $5,933 more per year than Dalton State College ($10,945 vs $5,012). Valdosta State University graduates report $9,110 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,361 vs $40,251). On EduGradify's model that puts Dalton State College ahead on projected ROI (20.08 vs 11.27, 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, Valdosta State University reports 72.3% acceptance; Dalton State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Dalton State College vs Valdosta State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Dalton State College or Valdosta State University the better value?
Dalton State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (20.08 vs 11.27), 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 $10,945 at Valdosta State University. The annual difference of $5,933 adds up to about $23,732 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Valdosta State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,361 vs $40,251 at Dalton State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,110.
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; Valdosta State University reports A.