Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Ross College-Sylvania

Ross College-Sylvania's dental support certificate is solidly middle-of-the-pack—ranking at the 40th percentile in Ohio means nearly two-thirds of similar programs in the state deliver better outcomes. Starting earnings of $23,957 fall about $8,000 short of what graduates earn from top Ohio programs like Stark State College, a meaningful gap when you're beginning a career.

The program does have two things working in its favor: manageable debt at $9,500 (translating to monthly payments around $100) and consistent earnings growth of 15% by year four. This isn't a debt trap—graduates earn their first-year salary in debt—but the relatively low starting point means that even with growth, four-year earnings of $27,565 still trail the state median. With 88% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves economically vulnerable students who need strong employment outcomes, making the below-average performance more concerning.

For families comparing options, the numbers suggest looking at alternative programs first. Several Ohio schools deliver $5,000-$8,000 higher starting salaries for the same credential and similar debt levels. That difference compounds significantly over a career and could mean the difference between financial stability and struggling to make ends meet in those critical first years after graduation.