Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Ross Medical Education Center-Johnson City

Ross Medical Education Center-Johnson City sits solidly in the middle—60th percentile among Tennessee dental programs—but that middle ground may not justify the investment when stronger alternatives exist. Graduates earn $24,411 initially, rising to $26,316 after four years, which puts them about $3,000 below the national median but $2,700 above Tennessee's state median. The $9,500 debt load is manageable (about 39% of first-year earnings), yet the school serves students who are particularly price-sensitive: 84% receive Pell grants, suggesting most families can't afford missteps.

The real concern is opportunity cost. Within Tennessee, Chattanooga State Community College produces graduates earning $31,590—30% more than Ross-Johnson City—likely with similar or lower debt. Even Ross's own Knoxville location outperforms this campus by nearly $1,000 annually. For a certificate program where earnings potential peaks early, starting thousands behind peer programs means you never catch up.

If your child has admission offers from Chattanooga State or one of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology locations, those represent better value. Ross-Johnson City isn't a disaster—the debt is reasonable and earnings exceed state averages—but in a field with clear better options in-state, settling for middle-tier performance means leaving meaningful money on the table over a career.