Dental Assisting at Rock Valley College
a smaller institution with 4,362 students in Rockford, IL.
Program Analysis
At $59,574 per year, Dental Assisting graduates from Rock Valley College significantly outpace the $36,429 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 72.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Dental Assisting programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Dental Assisting's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.
Ranked #51 of 513 programs, Rock Valley College's Dental Assisting program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Dental Assisting, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) (median $47,300/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Dental Assisting Career Guide
From day-one roles to senior positions, Dental Assisting careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.
Compare & Explore
Dental Assisting Overview
Dental Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Rock Valley College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.