Median Earnings (1yr)
$23,957
37th percentile (60th in MI)
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.40
Manageable
Sample Size
146
Adequate data

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

Ross Medical Education Center-BrightonOther dental support services and allied professions programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

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

Ross Medical Education Center-Brighton graduates earn $24k, placing them in the 37th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ross Medical Education Center-Brighton$23,957$27,565$9,5000.40
Washtenaw Community College$37,428$34,055$9,5000.25
Northwestern Michigan College$34,029———
Ross Medical Education Center-Lansing$25,352$25,183$9,5000.37
Ross Medical Education Center-Kentwood$25,352$25,183$9,5000.37
Ross College-Grand Rapids North$25,352$25,183$9,5000.37
National Median$25,255—$9,5000.38

Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor
$2,736$37,428$9,500
Northwestern Michigan College
Traverse City
$5,350$34,029—
Ross Medical Education Center-Lansing
Lansing
—$25,352$9,500
Ross Medical Education Center-Kentwood
Kentwood
—$25,352$9,500
Ross College-Grand Rapids North
Grand Rapids
—$25,352$9,500

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.