Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Meridian College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Meridian College's dental support program punches well above its weight in Florida's competitive dental assistant market. At $31,980 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about 30% more than the state median and rank in the 95th percentile nationally—nearly matching top performers like Daytona State. For a relatively modest $9,500 in debt, that's a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio that pays itself off quickly.
The program serves a majority Pell Grant population (58%) and appears to deliver genuine economic mobility, though the small graduating class means these numbers could shift with future cohorts. Still, outperforming 80% of Florida programs is notable in a state with 53 dental support options. The debt load is exactly average for this field, but the earnings premium makes the investment work harder.
For parents considering this path, the math is straightforward: your child would graduate with manageable debt and earnings that immediately support independence. Just recognize that the small program size means less certainty than you'd get with a larger track record. If your student is committed to dental assisting and values a program that gets results for working-class students, this delivers.
Where Meridian 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 Meridian College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Meridian College graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (53 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian College | $31,980 | — | $9,500 | 0.30 |
| Daytona State College | $32,107 | $29,348 | — | — |
| Fortis Institute-Port Saint Lucie | $31,554 | $29,637 | $12,994 | 0.41 |
| ATA Career Education | $29,032 | $25,853 | $12,930 | 0.45 |
| Manatee Technical College | $28,447 | — | — | — |
| Fortis College-Orange Park | $28,321 | $24,581 | $13,000 | 0.46 |
| National Median | $25,255 | — | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytona State College Daytona Beach | $3,106 | $32,107 | — |
| Fortis Institute-Port Saint Lucie Port Saint Lucie | $14,087 | $31,554 | $12,994 |
| ATA Career Education Spring Hill | $14,895 | $29,032 | $12,930 |
| Manatee Technical College Bradenton | — | $28,447 | — |
| Fortis College-Orange Park Orange Park | $14,386 | $28,321 | $13,000 |
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 Meridian College, approximately 58% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.