Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Fox College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Fox College graduates earning nearly $58,000 just one year out matches the Illinois median exactly, placing this program squarely in the middle of the pack statewide. You're paying about $6,400 more in debt than the typical Illinois dental support graduate, though that's still modest in absolute terms—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means your child could theoretically pay off the entire loan balance in roughly four months of gross income.
The real question is whether Fox College justifies its premium over community colleges. Programs at College of Lake County and Rock Valley College produce higher earners ($63K and $60K respectively) while charging significantly less. Nearly half of Fox College students qualify for Pell grants, suggesting the school serves working families, but those families might stretch their dollars further at a nearby community college offering the same credential.
With dental hygienists and assistants in steady demand across the Chicago suburbs, this program won't derail your child's finances. The debt is manageable and the earnings are respectable. But unless Fox College offers scheduling flexibility or specific employer connections that community colleges don't, you're essentially paying extra for convenience rather than better outcomes.
Where Fox College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Fox College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Fox College graduates earn $58k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox College | $57,717 | — | $20,000 | 0.35 |
| College of Lake County | $63,080 | $59,224 | $13,000 | 0.21 |
| Rock Valley College | $59,574 | — | — | — |
| College of DuPage | $59,215 | — | $19,871 | 0.34 |
| Lake Land College | $58,853 | $37,322 | $13,625 | 0.23 |
| William Rainey Harper College | $56,767 | $56,064 | — | — |
| National Median | $55,016 | — | $19,309 | 0.35 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Lake County Grayslake | $4,494 | $63,080 | $13,000 |
| Rock Valley College Rockford | $4,274 | $59,574 | — |
| College of DuPage Glen Ellyn | $4,320 | $59,215 | $19,871 |
| Lake Land College Mattoon | $4,280 | $58,853 | $13,625 |
| William Rainey Harper College Palatine | $3,822 | $56,767 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Fox College, approximately 46% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.