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Dental Support Services at University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $61,265/yr (1% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

ROI 14.8x earnings multiple (10.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #14 of 74 Dental Support Services programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Dental Support Services graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$560K	$560K	$524K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.9x	14.8x	13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	10.8x	10.8x	10.1x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	53%	44%
DegreeOutlook Score	63	64	63

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,728

Out-of-state: $51,768 (10.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$76,620

-103% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$61,969

1% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $61,265 track close to the $60,938 national median for Dental Support Services programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 14.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Support Services career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,000 in median debt against $61,265 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of South Dakota ranks #14 among 74 Dental Support Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $61,265 to $61,969 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of South Dakota

University of South Dakota has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,239 students in Vermillion, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Dakota →

Top Career Paths

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

Dental hygienists $94,260/yr

Dental laboratory technicians $48,310/yr

View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Dental Support Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of South Dakota

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Dental Support Services at University of South Dakota?

At 64/100, University of South Dakota's Dental Support Services program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Is University of South Dakota one of the best schools for Dental Support Services?

Among 74 Dental Support Services programs, University of South Dakota's #14 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →