7 accredited schools across the Chicago metro area trained 114 dental assistants in 2023–24. Here’s how they compare on cost, length and size, plus what the job pays locally.
Updated October 2026 · Data: IPEDS 2023–24, BLS May 2025
Sorted by number of 2023–24 graduates (IPEDS), a proxy for program size and stability.
Public two-year college in Elgin that reported 37 Dental Assistant graduates in 2023–24, the 2nd-most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $3,168 ($9,504 out of state).
21 Dental Assistant credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this private for-profit career school, the 5th-most in the state. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $17,925 for a program of about 12 months.
15 Dental Assistant credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $3,444 ($10,332 out of state).
15 Dental Assistant credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public four-year institution. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $7,492 ($21,356 out of state).
This private for-profit two-year college in Cook County graduated 12 Dental Assistant students in 2023–24.
10 Dental Assistant credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this private for-profit career school. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $20,800.
This private for-profit career school in Lake County graduated 4 Dental Assistant students in 2023–24. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $1,750 for a program of about 5 months.
7 accredited schools in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area graduated 114 Dental Assistant students in 2023–24. The largest was Elgin Community College with 37.
Among schools that published a program price, State Career College in Gurnee listed the lowest total: $1,750 for tuition, books and supplies.
Dental Assistants in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro earn a median $48,950 a year ($23.53/hour), per BLS May 2025 data. That compares with $48,610 statewide and $48,070 nationally.
CODA-accredited certificate programs commonly take about 9 to 11 months; associate degrees take about 2 years.