DSC vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Dalton State College in Dalton, GA with Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Michigan University is larger than DSC based on total student enrollment (7,409 students vs. 5,135 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dalton State College is located in Dalton, GA (Small City setting); Northern Michigan University is in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Dalton State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dalton State College 21:1; Northern Michigan University 18:1.

DSC vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSC or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University ($5,625 vs. $15,707).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dalton State College are 21.5% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($10,419 vs. $13,274).
• Northern Michigan University is 328% more expensive for in-state tuition than DSC (about $10,941 more per year; $14,277.00 vs. $3,336.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.6% higher at Northern Michigan University than at Dalton State College (about $9,117 more per year; $19,773.00 vs. $10,656.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Michigan University than at Dalton State College (94% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Michigan University students is 80.5% larger than aid received by Dalton State College students ($12,012 vs. $6,654).

DSC vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DSC or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University and DSC.

• Dalton State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSC - Open admission; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: DSC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Michigan University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at DSC (3.1).

DSC vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSC and Northern Michigan 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).

• Northern Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Dalton State College's (16%).
• Graduates from Northern Michigan University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than DSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $32,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dalton State College graduates have a $7,405 lower median loan debt than Northern Michigan University graduates ($14,887 vs. $22,292).
• Among borrowers, DSC graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Michigan University graduates ($153 vs. $230).
• More Northern Michigan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DSC students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.