Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $43,742 place University of Michigan-Ann Arbor below the $60,938 national median for Dental Support Services — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
At 7.4x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $43,742 far exceeding the $17,875 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #73 out of 74 programs, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's financial outcomes for Dental Support Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $43,742 to $51,393 over five years (17% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.