Dental Assisting at Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette
a compact campus enrolling 77 students in Lafayette, IN.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $24,411 place Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
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 12% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $24,411 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #374 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $28,263 are relatively flat compared to the $24,411 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
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
See the full career breakdown for Dental Assisting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette and 512 other schools.
Compare & Explore
Dental Assisting Overview
Dental Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.