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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Schools in the Great Lakes Region

48 Colleges in the United States
1,366 Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Degrees Awarded
$49,505 Avg Early-Career Salary

Dental Hygiene/Hygienist degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 57 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best dental hygiene/hygienist schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Dental Hygiene/Hygienist in the Great Lakes Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the dental hygiene/hygienist degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Dental Hygiene/Hygienist

1

Ohio State University Main Campus is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in dental hygiene/hygienist. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 38 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees were awarded at Ohio State University Main Campus in the most recent year. Graduates of the dental hygiene/hygienist program make about $61,173 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in dental hygiene/hygienist from Ohio State University Main Campus

2

A rank of #2 makes Fox Valley Technical College one of the top schools for dental hygiene/hygienist. Located in the suburb of Appleton, Fox Valley Technical College is a large public university. There were roughly 13 dental hygiene/hygienist students who graduated with this degree at Fox Valley Technical College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Fox Valley Technical College generally make around $44,625. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete this degree. Get the full dental hygiene/hygienist details for Fox Valley Technical College

3

College Of Lake County came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best dental hygiene/hygienist schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Grayslake. College Of Lake County awarded about 22 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $63,080. Typical student debt for the program is $13,000. Get the full dental hygiene/hygienist details for College Of Lake County

4

Students looking for a strong dental hygiene/hygienist program will find one at Sinclair Community College, which ranked #4. Sinclair Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Dayton. Sinclair Community College awarded about 82 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the dental hygiene/hygienist program make about $53,091 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,346 to complete this degree. Read more about the dental hygiene/hygienist program at Sinclair Community College

5

Students looking for a strong dental hygiene/hygienist program will find one at Chippewa Valley Technical College, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Eau Claire, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a large public university. Chippewa Valley Technical College awarded about 14 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their dental hygiene/hygienist degree from Chippewa Valley Technical College earn around $56,841 in the first couple years of their career. Chippewa Valley Technical College graduates carry a median of $14,234 in student loans. Read more about the dental hygiene/hygienist program at Chippewa Valley Technical College

6

Madison Area Technical College placed #6 among the best dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Located in the city of Madison, Madison Area Technical College is a large public university. Madison Area Technical College awarded about 40 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates of Madison Area Technical College earn a median of $59,139 early in their careers. Madison Area Technical College graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. See the full dental hygiene/hygienist program report for Madison Area Technical College

7

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned the #7 position for dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. There were roughly 42 dental hygiene/hygienist students who graduated with this degree at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $43,742. Typical student debt for the program is $26,521. More information about a degree in dental hygiene/hygienist from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

8

University Of Southern Indiana landed the #8 spot for dental hygiene/hygienist this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Evansville. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. University Of Southern Indiana awarded about 23 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the dental hygiene/hygienist program make about $61,972 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,500. Get the full dental hygiene/hygienist details for University Of Southern Indiana

9

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earned the #9 position for dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis graduates 54% of students within six years. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis awarded about 40 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $64,402 early in their careers. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis graduates carry a median of $26,168 in student loans. See the full dental hygiene/hygienist program report for Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

10

Waukesha County Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Waukesha County Technical College is a large public school located in the suburb of Pewaukee. Waukesha County Technical College awarded about 13 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates of Waukesha County Technical College earn a median of $47,043 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $16,200 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in dental hygiene/hygienist from Waukesha County Technical College

11

Lewis And Clark Community College placed #11 among the best dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Set in the suburb of Godfrey, Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. About 13 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees were awarded at Lewis And Clark Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their dental hygiene/hygienist degree from Lewis And Clark Community College earn around $54,031 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $12,709 to complete this degree. See the full dental hygiene/hygienist program report for Lewis And Clark Community College

12

Macomb Community College came in at #12 for dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Set in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public institution. Macomb Community College awarded about 31 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their dental hygiene/hygienist degree from Macomb Community College earn around $38,758 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,862. Get the full dental hygiene/hygienist details for Macomb Community College

13
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best dental hygiene/hygienist schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. About 29 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees were awarded at College Of Dupage in the most recent year. Students who receive their dental hygiene/hygienist degree from College Of Dupage earn around $59,215 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,871. Get the full dental hygiene/hygienist details for College Of Dupage

14
Lewis University crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Lewis University earned the #14 position for dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Located in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. About 67% of students finish within six years. Lewis University awarded about 12 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Lewis University generally make around $55,718. Typical student debt for the program is $24,838. Get the full dental hygiene/hygienist details for Lewis University

15
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN

Ivy Tech Community College placed #15 among the best dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public institution. Ivy Tech Community College awarded about 34 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their dental hygiene/hygienist degree from Ivy Tech Community College earn around $36,371 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $12,611 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in dental hygiene/hygienist from Ivy Tech Community College

16

Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #16 among the best dental hygiene/hygienist schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Milwaukee. About 50 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees were awarded at Milwaukee Area Technical College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Milwaukee Area Technical College generally make around $43,973. Students borrow a median of $25,034 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in dental hygiene/hygienist from Milwaukee Area Technical College

17

Blackhawk Technical College landed the #17 spot for dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Set in the suburb of Janesville, Blackhawk Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. About 10 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees were awarded at Blackhawk Technical College in the most recent year. Graduates of the dental hygiene/hygienist program make about $27,831 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $13,715 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in dental hygiene/hygienist from Blackhawk Technical College

18
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College landed the #18 spot for dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Located in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public university. Harper College awarded about 21 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $56,767. Typical student debt for the program is $10,963. More information about a degree in dental hygiene/hygienist from Harper College

19
Parkland College crest
Parkland College
Champaign, IL

Parkland College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Parkland College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Champaign. Parkland College awarded about 34 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their dental hygiene/hygienist degree from Parkland College earn around $47,133 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,625. See the full dental hygiene/hygienist program report for Parkland College

20
Carl Sandburg College crest
Carl Sandburg College
Galesburg, IL

Carl Sandburg College landed the #20 spot for dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Located in the town of Galesburg, Carl Sandburg College is a mid-sized public university. About 29 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees were awarded at Carl Sandburg College in the most recent year. Students who receive their dental hygiene/hygienist degree from Carl Sandburg College earn around $51,566 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $10,374. Read more about the dental hygiene/hygienist program at Carl Sandburg College

21
Stark State College crest
Stark State College
North Canton, OH

Stark State College earned the #21 position for dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Stark State College is a large public school located in the suburb of North Canton. About 52 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees were awarded at Stark State College in the most recent year. Students who receive their dental hygiene/hygienist degree from Stark State College earn around $31,348 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $14,157 to complete this degree. Read more about the dental hygiene/hygienist program at Stark State College

22
Lake Land College crest
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL

Lake Land College earned the #22 position for dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Mattoon. About 24 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees were awarded at Lake Land College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Lake Land College generally make around $58,853. Students borrow a median of $13,625 to complete this degree. Read more about the dental hygiene/hygienist program at Lake Land College

23

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College came in at #23 for dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Located in the city of Green Bay, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a large public university. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College awarded about 20 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the dental hygiene/hygienist program make about $52,744 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,997. Read more about the dental hygiene/hygienist program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

24
Illinois Central College crest
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL

Illinois Central College placed #24 among the best dental hygiene/hygienist schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of East Peoria. About 20 dental hygiene/hygienist degrees were awarded at Illinois Central College in the most recent year. Students who receive their dental hygiene/hygienist degree from Illinois Central College earn around $53,190 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,222. More information about a degree in dental hygiene/hygienist from Illinois Central College

25

City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College placed #25 among the best dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a large public university. There were roughly 25 dental hygiene/hygienist students who graduated with this degree at City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College generally make around $38,982. Students borrow a median of $12,272 to complete this degree. Get the full dental hygiene/hygienist details for City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College

Rest of the Top 50 Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Schools

These schools also placed among the best for dental hygiene/hygienist this year:

26
27
28
29
30
Rock Valley College crest
Rock Valley College
Rockford, IL
31
Oakland Community College crest
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI
32
Prairie State College crest
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights, IL
33
34
35
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
36
37
38
Owens Community College crest
Owens Community College
Perrysburg, OH
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41
42
43
44
45
46
Delta College crest
Delta College
University Center, MI
47
48
Hocking College crest
Hocking College
Nelsonville, OH
49
50

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 57 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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