Dental Assisting at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

Ferris State University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

Program Analysis

At $49,748 per year, Dental Assisting graduates from Ferris State University significantly outpace the $36,429 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 19.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $25,000 against $49,748/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #212 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places Ferris State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Assisting careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
54
Score
54
High End
Earnings $49,748/yr (37% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$50K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple
19.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition
$27,260
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,192
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Dental Assisting graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Dental hygienists $94,260 +7.0% 81%
Dental laboratory technicians $48,310 -4.7% 96%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Dental hygienists
$94,260
+7.0% growth 81% AI-proof
Dental laboratory technicians
$48,310
-4.7% growth 96% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Dental Assisting Career Guide

Dental Assisting opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ferris State University

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Ferris State University?
This program scores 54/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Dental Assisting graduates.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting graduates?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Dental Assisting occupations, such as Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) and Dental Laboratory Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Dental Assisting graduates?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Ferris State University graduates specifically, local market conditions in MI may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →