Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at University of Mississippi
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 University of Mississippi graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Mississippi graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 13th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions bachelors 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 Mississippi
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi | $51,838 | $53,292 | $22,875 | 0.44 |
| National Median | $60,170 | — | $25,000 | 0.42 |
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.