Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at College of Lake County

College of Lake County graduates from this dental support program start strong, earning $63,080 in their first year—well above both the national median ($55,016) and Illinois median ($57,717). That 82nd percentile national ranking reflects solid preparation, and the program's $13,000 median debt is notably manageable compared to the national figure of $19,309. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21, graduates can realistically pay off their loans within months rather than years.

The concern here is trajectory rather than starting point. Earnings drop to $59,224 by year four, suggesting these dental support roles may have limited advancement potential or that graduates face challenges maintaining higher-paying positions. That said, even at year four, earnings remain competitive with other Illinois programs—College of DuPage and Rock Valley graduates earn similar amounts. The 60th percentile ranking within Illinois is solid middle-of-the-pack performance in a state with decent dental support opportunities.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data, but the fundamentals are sound: low debt, strong initial earnings, and outcomes that align with state patterns. For families prioritizing quick entry into the workforce with minimal borrowing, this program delivers. Just recognize that substantial salary growth may require additional credentials or a career pivot down the line.