Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Despite Michigan's prestige and 18% admission rate, this dental support program delivers earnings well below what students should expect—even within Michigan. Starting at $44,000, graduates earn about $6,000 less than the state median and a striking $16,000 below the national median for this field. For context, Ferris State's graduates in the same program earn $63,000, nearly 50% more than Michigan's alumni just one year out.

The bright spot is manageable debt at $26,500, though it still requires dedicating 61% of that first year's salary to loan repayment. While earnings do grow to $52,000 by year four, that trajectory doesn't compensate for the weak starting point. Ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally means 95 out of 100 similar programs produce better earnings outcomes. Even the 40th percentile ranking within Michigan—where there are only four such programs—suggests this is the weakest performer in the state.

For a competitive university charging premium tuition, these outcomes raise serious questions about program design or industry connections. If your child is set on dental support professions, Ferris State offers dramatically better career positioning at likely lower cost. At Michigan, this program appears to underdeliver on the institution's broader reputation.