DSC vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Comparable Facts

Compare Dalton State College in Dalton, GA with Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dalton State College is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (5,135 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dalton State College is located in Dalton, GA (Small City setting); Lenoir Rhyne University is in Hickory, NC (Small City setting).
• Dalton State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dalton State College 21:1; Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1.

DSC vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSC or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($5,625 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dalton State College are 22.2% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($10,419 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 856.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than DSC (about $28,564 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $3,336.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 199.4% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Dalton State College (about $21,244 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $10,656.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Dalton State College (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 252.7% larger than aid received by Dalton State College students ($23,467 vs. $6,654).

DSC vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DSC or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and DSC.

• Dalton State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSC - Open admission; Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: DSC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at DSC (3.1).

DSC vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSC and Lenoir-Rhyne 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Dalton State College's (16%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than DSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $32,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dalton State College graduates have a $12,113 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($14,887 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, DSC graduates have an estimated $126 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($153 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DSC students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.