Dental Assisting at First Institute of Travel Inc.

Crystal Lake, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 274 students in Crystal Lake, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,773 place First Institute of Travel Inc. below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 23% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $26,773 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #314 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places First Institute of Travel Inc. in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 30% earnings increase from $26,773 to $34,726 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $26,773/yr (-27% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$365K
6.7% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,726
30% growth from Year 1

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

What can you do with a Dental Assisting credential from First Institute of Travel Inc.? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at First Institute of Travel Inc.

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does First Institute of Travel Inc.'s Dental Assisting program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Dental Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Is First Institute of Travel Inc. a good choice for Dental Assisting despite lower starting pay?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting graduates?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing First Institute of Travel Inc.'s program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from First Institute of Travel Inc. find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Dental Assisting have roughly 99,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →