Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at MedQuest College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
medquestcollege.eduAnalysis
MedQuest College's dental support program earns $25,860 four years out—ahead of the $23,957 Kentucky median and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide, though it trails ATA College's $29,000. With just $9,476 in debt (versus $9,500 statewide), graduates face a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe roughly five months of income. For students staying in Kentucky, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds (44% receive Pell grants), this represents a solid path into dental assistant work without excessive borrowing.
The modest 4% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests this field hits its salary ceiling quickly—you're earning close to your peak right away. That's not necessarily bad for a certificate program that gets students working fast, but it does mean limited room for income growth without additional credentials or moving into related roles like dental office management.
The practical takeaway: This program delivers competitive Kentucky outcomes at reasonable cost. It won't match ATA College's earnings, but it gets your child working in dental support for about $3,600 less debt. Just understand that the $25,000-$26,000 range is likely where earnings will stay.
Where MedQuest College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How MedQuest College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| MedQuest College | $24,798 | $25,860 | +4% |
| Cabrillo College | $74,741 | $69,093 | -8% |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Erlanger | $23,957 | $27,565 | +15% |
| ATA College | $29,032 | $25,853 | -11% |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Owensboro | $23,402 | $25,245 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 MedQuest CollegeLouisville | — | $24,798 | $25,860 | $9,476 | 0.38 |
 ATA CollegeLouisville | $13,930 | $29,032 | $25,853 | $12,930 | 0.45 |
 Ross Medical Education Center-ErlangerErlanger | — | $23,957 | $27,565 | $9,500 | 0.40 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-OwensboroOwensboro | — | $23,402 | $25,245 | $9,500 | 0.41 |
 Medical Career & Technical CollegeRichmond | — | $16,206 | — | $6,272 | 0.39 |
| National Median | — | $25,255 | — | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with dental support services and allied professions graduates
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 MedQuest College, approximately 44% 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 286 graduates with reported earnings and 329 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.