Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,838
13th percentile
Median Debt
$22,875
8% below national median

Analysis

Ole Miss's dental support program graduates earn about $52,000 a year after graduation—roughly $8,000 below the national median for similar programs. That lands them in just the 13th percentile nationally, meaning most comparable programs produce higher-earning graduates. The debt load of $22,875 is manageable (well under one year's salary), but parents should understand they're getting below-average outcomes for a program that, at other schools, typically leads to $60,000+ starting salaries.

The 60th percentile ranking within Mississippi sounds better, but it's misleading: Ole Miss is the only school in the state offering this specific bachelor's degree, so there's no real in-state competition to measure against. The small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates) also means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, making this data less reliable than programs with larger cohorts.

The modest 3% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates aren't seeing rapid salary progression early in their careers. For a parent weighing options, this program offers affordable debt but underwhelming earning potential compared to dental support programs elsewhere. If your child is set on this field, exploring out-of-state programs with stronger track records might justify the higher tuition, or consider whether a two-year dental hygiene program might deliver better value.

Where University of Mississippi Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Mississippi graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Mississippi$51,838$53,292+3%
University of Southern California$69,479$77,360+11%
Pacific University$76,060$75,779-0%
West Coast University-Los Angeles$73,751$70,617-4%
West Coast University-Orange County$73,751$70,617-4%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of MississippiUniversity$9,412$51,838$53,292$22,8750.44
Foothill CollegeLos Altos Hills$1,565$81,255$17,2850.21
Lake Washington Institute of TechnologyKirkland$5,156$77,431$23,7500.31
Pacific UniversityForest Grove$54,466$76,060$75,779$28,3750.37
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City$75,367$65,925$20,9900.28
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman$9,595$75,367$65,925$20,9900.28
National Median$60,170$25,0000.42

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 University of Mississippi, approximately 22% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.