Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at North Dakota State College of Science

At around $48,500 in first-year earnings, this dental support program falls below the national median ($55,000), though the relatively low debt load of $15,320 keeps the financial risk manageable. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means graduates typically owe less than four months' salary—far better than many healthcare training programs. However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) makes it hard to know if these numbers represent typical outcomes or just reflect a few individual cases.

The slight earnings decline from year one to year four is worth noting, though with such a small cohort, this could simply reflect whether a couple of graduates stayed in clinical roles versus moving to administrative positions. What's more concerning is landing in the 30th percentile nationally for earnings, suggesting graduates from larger programs elsewhere consistently out-earn this program's alumni. For students committed to staying in North Dakota, this is the only in-state option, which limits meaningful local comparisons.

For families weighing this investment, the low debt makes it relatively safe as healthcare credentials go, but the below-average earnings trajectory means you'll want clarity on specific career outcomes. Are graduates primarily becoming dental assistants, hygienists, or office managers? Each path has different earning potential, and with such limited data, you're essentially betting on a program where the track record isn't firmly established.