Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids Community College's dental support program shows an unusual trajectory that warrants careful consideration: graduates earn $45,543 in their first year but see that drop to $38,743 by year four—a 15% decline that stands out in a field where stable employment is typically the norm. This is particularly concerning when compared to nearby alternatives like Kalamazoo Valley ($52,947) and Lansing Community College ($49,832), which offer significantly stronger outcomes at similar institutions.

The $17,500 debt load is reasonable and slightly below both state and national medians, which helps cushion the program's other weaknesses. At 40th percentile in Michigan, GRCC lands right in the middle of the pack statewide, though nationally it sits at just the 23rd percentile. The earnings decline over time suggests graduates may be starting in positions that don't offer clear advancement paths, or they're entering a local market with limited opportunities for experienced dental support professionals.

For Michigan families, this creates a straightforward calculation: your student could attend Kalamazoo Valley or Lansing Community College—similar two-year programs within driving distance—and potentially earn $7,000-$11,000 more annually while taking on comparable debt. Unless location constraints make GRCC the only viable option, exploring those alternatives would be prudent before committing to this program.