Dental Assisting at Minnesota North College

At $34,237/yr, Dental Assisting graduates from Minnesota North College land near the $36,429 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 60.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

The median debt load of $5,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #191 out of 513 programs, Minnesota North College's Dental Assisting offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $34,237 to $35,897 over five years (5% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Dental Assisting connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.