Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Herzing University-Madison

Herzing University-Madison's dental support program carries more debt than 95% of similar programs nationwide, which creates a financial challenge that parents should understand upfront. That $35,117 debt load is $10,000 higher than the national median for this degree, while first-year earnings of $58,912 fall slightly below the national average. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 means graduates owe roughly seven months' salary—manageable but not generous given the institution's 67% Pell-eligible population.

The state comparison offers limited insight since this is currently Wisconsin's only bachelor's-level dental support program, making direct in-state comparisons impossible. However, the 44th percentile national ranking suggests this program performs in the middle of the pack when measured against the 104 schools offering this degree. Given the high admission rate and significant financial need among students, the program appears to serve as an accessible entry point into dental support professions rather than a premium option.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether $35,000 in debt is acceptable for a career starting near $59,000. The math works—graduates should be able to manage payments—but there's little margin for error. If your student has access to programs with lower debt loads, those merit serious consideration. If accessibility and location matter most, understand you're paying a premium in borrowing costs for the convenience.