The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has approved Dalton State to extend in-state tuition to eligible residents of Tennessee beginning with the spring 2018 semester. The board took the action at its November meeting.
Dalton State was one of 13 USG colleges and universities granted permission to extend out-of-state differential tuition waiver status to border state applicants.
Tuition and fees for in-state students runs $2,106 for a 15-credit hour semester at Dalton State, one-third the price for out-of-state students who pay $6,317.
“While Dalton State previously offered out-of-state tuition waivers for residents of two Tennessee counties bordering our service area - Hamilton and Bradley - we are pleased to be able now to offer out-of-state tuition waivers to all Tennessee residents," said Dr. Jodi Johnson, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Dalton State. “We believe our 23 baccalaureate offerings, newly-opened residence hall, comprehensive intercollegiate athletic program and vibrant student life program, coupled with an affordable in-state tuition rate, position Dalton State as an attractive option for Tennessee residents."
Dr. Margaret Venable, president of Dalton State, agrees. “As Dalton State reaches out beyond the immediate Dalton area to serve Northwest Georgia and beyond, it makes good sense to serve students in our bordering state of Tennessee. As we expand our reach, we attract new people to the area who may choose to remain in the Greater Dalton area after graduation.
“As we become the first Hispanic Serving Institution in this area (expected designation in spring of 2018), we are more likely to draw students from a wider geographic area to Dalton State,” she continued. “Being so close to the Tennessee border, it makes good sense for us to recruit students from both Georgia and Tennessee.”
Dr. Johnson added that the expanded policy can also benefit students of Dalton State’s Gilmer County instructional site in Ellijay as well. “Our Ellijay site is in close proximity to Polk County residents in Tennessee. We are pleased to be able to offer quality baccalaureate courses at an affordable in-state tuition rate to residents of Polk County.”
“Our reputation as a high quality four-year college coupled with our affordability will allow us to better serve this region,” Dr. Venable concluded.
Dalton State’s spring semester begins Monday, Jan. 8. Those interested in knowing more about the tuition waivers are welcome to call the office of admissions at 706-272-4436.