Analysis
Mott Community College's dental support program earns barely middle-of-the-pack results among Michigan schools while trailing far behind national peers. At $40,544 in first-year earnings, graduates earn roughly $5,200 less than the state median and about $14,500 below the national benchmark—landing this program in just the 17th percentile nationally. More troubling, earnings actually slip to $39,295 by year four, suggesting limited advancement opportunities in the roles graduates typically secure. Compare this to Kalamazoo Valley's program, where graduates earn $52,947, and the gap becomes stark.
The debt load compounds the problem. At nearly $26,000, graduates carry substantially more debt than typical Michigan dental support students ($17,800) while earning less. That 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, but it means dedicating a significant portion of income to loan payments while watching peers from nearby programs pull ahead financially. For context, if your child were deciding between Mott and Lansing Community College, they'd face similar debt but start their career earning $9,000 more annually at Lansing.
Unless Mott offers unique geographic convenience or specialized training unavailable elsewhere, families should seriously consider alternatives. Several Michigan community colleges deliver demonstrably better financial outcomes in the same field—outcomes that could mean the difference between financial stress and stability in those crucial early career years.
Where Mott Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Mott Community 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mott Community College | $40,544 | $39,295 | -3% |
| Lansing Community College | $49,832 | $46,711 | -6% |
| Ferris State University | $49,748 | $46,067 | -7% |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College | $52,947 | $45,751 | -14% |
| Oakland Community College | $46,032 | $42,626 | -7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,426 | $40,544 | $39,295 | $25,926 | 0.64 | |
| $4,046 | $52,947 | $45,751 | $9,817 | 0.19 | |
| $4,010 | $49,832 | $46,711 | $14,136 | 0.28 | |
| $13,630 | $49,748 | $46,067 | $26,470 | 0.53 | |
| $3,020 | $46,032 | $42,626 | — | — | |
| $4,059 | $45,543 | $38,743 | $17,500 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $55,016 | — | $19,309 | 0.35 |
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 Mott Community College, approximately 35% 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 52 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.