Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Ferris State University

Ferris State's dental support program shows first-year earnings above both the state median ($62,805 vs. $50,234) and national average ($60,170), ranking in the 80th percentile among Michigan programs. The $17,500 debt load is notably lower than both state and national medians, creating a favorable 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio that compares well to typical dental support graduates. However, the earnings trajectory raises questions: graduates see a 19% drop in income by year four, falling to $50,882.

This earnings decline is unusual enough to warrant investigation. It could reflect graduates moving between practice settings, switching to part-time work, or limitations of the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked). The pattern is concerning enough that prospective students should talk directly with the program about typical career paths and whether the decline reflects actual job market conditions or data quirks. The fact that even the top programs in Michigan show similar or lower four-year earnings suggests this may be a broader industry pattern rather than a school-specific issue.

For families focused on manageable debt and strong starting salaries, this program delivers on both counts. The low debt load gives graduates flexibility if they need to navigate the apparent mid-career earnings dip, though understanding what drives that pattern should be a priority before enrolling.