DSC vs. Johnson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Dalton State College in Dalton, GA with Johnson University in Knoxville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dalton State College is larger than Johnson University based on total student enrollment (5,135 students vs. 978 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dalton State College is located in Dalton, GA (Small City setting); Johnson University is in Knoxville, TN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Dalton State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dalton State College 21:1; Johnson University 12:1.

DSC vs. Johnson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSC or Johnson University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Dalton State College than Johnson University ($5,625 vs. $22,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson University are 5% lower than at Dalton State College ($9,900 vs. $10,419).
• Johnson University is 533.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than DSC (about $17,786 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $3,336.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.2% higher at Johnson University than at Dalton State College (about $10,466 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $10,656.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson University than at Dalton State College (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson University students is 74.8% larger than aid received by Dalton State College students ($11,630 vs. $6,654).

DSC vs. Johnson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DSC or Johnson University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Johnson University and DSC.

• Dalton State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJohnson University 960/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJohnson University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSC - Open admission; Johnson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DSC Jul 1, 2027; Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Johnson University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at DSC (3.1).

DSC vs. Johnson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSC and Johnson University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Johnson University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Dalton State College's (16%).
• Graduates from Dalton State College earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,500 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dalton State College graduates have a $6,493 lower median loan debt than Johnson University graduates ($14,887 vs. $21,380).
• Among borrowers, DSC graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johnson University graduates ($153 vs. $221).
• More Johnson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DSC students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 42%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.