Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at International Business College-Indianapolis

This program's earnings fall dramatically short of what dental support graduates typically earn—both nationally and within Indiana. At just under $29,000 in first-year earnings, graduates here make roughly half what the national median ($55,016) suggests is achievable in this field. Even compared to other Indiana schools, where the median is $37,456, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile. Ivy Tech Community College, for comparison, delivers starting earnings of $46,036—nearly $17,000 more annually. That gap compounds quickly: over a decade, it represents roughly $170,000 in lost earnings potential.

The debt burden of $11,898 appears manageable at first glance, especially with a 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, context matters: you're taking on debt for earnings that place this program in the bottom 5% nationally. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty, but the consistent underperformance across all metrics suggests a pattern rather than statistical noise. With half of students qualifying for Pell grants, many families here can't afford to gamble on below-market outcomes.

For parents, the calculus is straightforward: why invest in a program that delivers half the earnings of nearby alternatives? Unless there are extraordinary circumstances—perhaps a guaranteed job offer or unique clinical relationships—Ivy Tech's dental program offers substantially better returns for a similar educational investment and timeframe.