Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This dental support program presents concerning value compared to other options in Illinois. While the $9,500 debt load is manageable, graduates earn significantly below both state and national medians—ranking in just the 25th percentile among Illinois dental support programs with starting salaries around $23,000. This is particularly troubling given that Illinois dental support graduates typically earn $28,181, meaning this program underperforms the state median by over $5,000 annually.
The numbers become more stark when compared to top Illinois programs: Lewis and Clark Community College graduates earn more than double at $53,786, while even mid-tier options like Northwestern College produce $29,589 earners. The modest 8% earnings growth over four years barely keeps pace with inflation, suggesting limited career advancement potential from this credential.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 isn't catastrophic, but combined with below-average earning potential, this program appears to be a weak investment. Your child would likely be better served by exploring dental support programs at Illinois community colleges, which typically offer similar training at lower cost with demonstrably better employment outcomes. The robust sample size makes these results reliable, not statistical noise.
Where Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois 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 Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois graduates compare to all programs nationally
Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois graduates earn $23k, placing them in the 25th 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 Illinois
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (14 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois | $22,815 | $24,586 | $9,500 | 0.42 |
| Lewis and Clark Community College | $53,786 | $46,626 | $12,000 | 0.22 |
| Northwestern College | $29,589 | — | $12,667 | 0.43 |
| First Institute of Travel Inc. | $26,773 | $32,278 | $9,500 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $25,255 | — | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis and Clark Community College Godfrey | $3,552 | $53,786 | $12,000 |
| Northwestern College Oak Lawn | $18,475 | $29,589 | $12,667 |
| First Institute of Travel Inc. Crystal Lake | — | $26,773 | $9,500 |
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 Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois, approximately 63% 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 558 graduates with reported earnings and 620 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.