Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
midwesttech.eduAnalysis
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
Earnings Distribution
How Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois | $22,815 | $24,586 | +8% |
| Cabrillo College | $74,741 | $69,093 | -8% |
| Lewis and Clark Community College | $53,786 | $46,626 | -13% |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College | $35,725 | $40,246 | +13% |
| First Institute of Travel Inc. | $26,773 | $32,278 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Midwest Technical Institute-IllinoisSpringfield | — | $22,815 | $24,586 | $9,500 | 0.42 |
 Lewis and Clark Community CollegeGodfrey | $3,552 | $53,786 | $46,626 | $12,000 | 0.22 |
 Northwestern CollegeOak Lawn | $18,475 | $29,589 | — | $12,667 | 0.43 |
 First Institute of Travel Inc.Crystal Lake | — | $26,773 | $32,278 | $9,500 | 0.35 |
| 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 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.