Median Earnings (1yr)
$23,957
37th percentile
60th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median

Analysis

Ross Medical Education Center-Brighton's dental support program outperforms most Michigan schools but lags behind the national average—a nuanced position that requires careful consideration. At $27,565 four years out, graduates earn slightly more than Michigan's state median ($23,566), landing in the 60th percentile among in-state options. However, they're making about $2,000 less than the national median, suggesting Michigan's dental support market may pay below national norms.

The program's strength lies in its manageable debt load and steady earnings growth. At $9,500, the debt burden is reasonable—less than half of first-year earnings—and graduates see a 15% income increase by year four. The certificate serves the school's predominantly low-income student body (72% Pell recipients) by providing relatively quick entry into steady work. That said, Washtenaw Community College graduates earn $10,000 more annually, demonstrating that better-paying opportunities exist within Michigan for those willing to seek them out.

For families prioritizing quick entry to the workforce with minimal debt, this program delivers on that promise. The earnings trajectory is modest but stable, which matters in healthcare support roles that typically offer job security. Just understand you're accepting mid-tier Michigan outcomes rather than top-tier possibilities—a reasonable tradeoff if location or immediate employment is the priority.

Where Ross Medical Education Center-Brighton Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Ross Medical Education Center-Brighton graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ross Medical Education Center-Brighton$23,957$27,565+15%
Washtenaw Community College$37,428$34,055-9%
Ross Medical Education Center-Davison$23,957$27,565+15%
Ross Medical Education Center-Ann Arbor$23,957$27,565+15%
Ross Medical Education Center-New Baltimore$23,402$25,245+8%

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (26 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ross Medical Education Center-BrightonBrighton—$23,957$27,565$9,5000.40
Washtenaw Community CollegeAnn Arbor$2,736$37,428$34,055$9,5000.25
Northwestern Michigan CollegeTraverse City$5,350$34,029———
Ross Medical Education Center-LansingLansing—$25,352$25,183$9,5000.37
Ross Medical Education Center-KentwoodKentwood—$25,352$25,183$9,5000.37
Ross College-Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids—$25,352$25,183$9,5000.37
National Median—$25,255—$9,5000.38

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with dental support services and allied professions graduates

Dental Hygienists

Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.

$94,260/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Dental Assistants

Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

$47,300/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Dental Laboratory Technicians

Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Ross Medical Education Center-Brighton, approximately 72% 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 146 graduates with reported earnings and 175 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.