DSC vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Dalton State College in Dalton, GA with West Virginia State University in Institute, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dalton State College is larger than WVSU based on total student enrollment (5,135 students vs. 3,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dalton State College is located in Dalton, GA (Small City setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Dalton State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dalton State College 21:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

DSC vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSC or WVSU? 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 WVSU ($5,625 vs. $11,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dalton State College are 22.9% lower than at West Virginia State University ($10,419 vs. $13,522).
• West Virginia State University is 186.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than DSC (about $6,234 more per year; $9,570.00 vs. $3,336.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.7% higher at WVSU than at Dalton State College (about $4,334 more per year; $14,990.00 vs. $10,656.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dalton State College than at West Virginia State University (92% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Virginia State University students is 35.2% larger than aid received by Dalton State College students ($8,993 vs. $6,654).

DSC vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DSC or WVSU? 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 WVSU and DSC.

• Dalton State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSC - Open admission; WVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DSC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WVSU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at DSC (3.1).

DSC vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSC and WVSU? 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).

• West Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (25%) is higher than Dalton State College's (16%).
• Graduates from West Virginia State University earn a median of about $200 more per year than DSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,700 vs. $32,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dalton State College graduates have a $8,363 lower median loan debt than WVSU graduates ($14,887 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, DSC graduates have an estimated $87 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVSU graduates ($153 vs. $240).
• More DSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 35%)

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.