Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $51,316 place East Tennessee State University below the $60,938 national median for Dental Support Services — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
The 14.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $51,316 far exceeding the $14,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #34 out of 74 programs, East Tennessee State University's Dental Support Services offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $51,316 to $60,729 over five years (18% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.