Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Lake Area Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Lake Area Technical College's dental support program punches well above its weight class nationally, with graduates earning $36,631—about $11,000 more than the typical program in this field. That 95th percentile ranking means this school outperforms nearly every similar program in the country. The $8,250 in typical debt translates to just three months of earnings, making this one of the more accessible entry points into dental careers.
The picture gets more nuanced within South Dakota, where this program sits at the 60th percentile—solid, but not dominant in a state with limited options. Still, graduates here earn roughly $3,800 more than their counterparts at Western Dakota Technical College. The slight earnings dip from year one to year four ($36,631 to $35,456) is worth noting, though this may reflect workforce patterns in dental offices rather than career stagnation, and the initial earning power remains strong.
For families seeking quick workforce entry with minimal debt exposure, this program delivers. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 is exceptional, and graduates enter a field with immediate earning potential that far exceeds national norms. The combination of low debt and above-average local earnings makes this a practical choice, even if it's not the absolute top performer in the state.
Where Lake Area Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions certificate'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 Lake Area Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Lake Area Technical College graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Dakota
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (2 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Area Technical College | $36,631 | $35,456 | $8,250 | 0.23 |
| Western Dakota Technical College | $32,951 | — | $8,250 | 0.25 |
| National Median | $25,255 | — | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in South Dakota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Dakota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Dakota Technical College Rapid City | $8,008 | $32,951 | $8,250 |
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 Lake Area Technical College, approximately 26% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 33 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.