University of Colorado
DAT and GPA
In the most recent year that data is available (2021-22), 11,759 applicants applied to dental school. This is a 7% increase from the prior year. This marks a reversal from the downward trend in applicants over the last 15 years. There were 6,295 1st year enrollees, the highest number in almost 40 years. Low applicants and increasing 1st year positions make for a relatively favorable environment for applicants. Almost 54% of applicants enrolled in dental school. While this is down from the prior year (57%), it is still very high when looking back at the last 2 decades. For a brief overview of Dental School admissions over the last 70 years, please read our blog post!
The average DAT (Academic Average) in 2021-22 among all dental schools was 20.8. The dental schools with the highest D.A.T. (Academic Average) scores were Columbia University (24), Harvard University (23.8), and University of California-San Francisco (23). The dental schools with the lowest D.A.T. (Academic Average) scores were Meharry Medical College (17.3), Howard University (18.7), and Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (18.9).
The average GPA (Overall Average) in 2021-22 among all dental schools was 3.6. The dental schools with the highest G.P.A. (Overall Average) were Harvard University (3.93), University of Michigan (3.8) and Columbia University (3.78). The dental schools with the lowest G.P.A. (Overall Average) were Meharry Medical College (3.13), Howard University (3.2), and Western University of Health Sciences (3.2).
The figure below shows the average DAT score (Academic Average) and GPA (Overall Average) for all dental schools for the 1st year class of 2021-22. The selected school is shown in red, Public schools in green, Private schools in purple. The size of a school’s dot correlates to the size of their 1st year entering class.
In the most recent year that data is available (2021-22), 11,759 applicants applied to dental school. This is a 7% increase from the prior year. This marks a reversal from the downward trend in applicants over the last 15 years. There were 6,295 1st year enrollees, the highest number in almost 40 years. Low applicants and increasing 1st year positions make for a relatively favorable environment for applicants. Almost 54% of applicants enrolled in dental school. While this is down from the prior year (57%), it is still very high when looking back at the last 2 decades. For a brief overview of Dental School admissions over the last 70 years, please read our blog post!
The average DAT (Academic Average) in 2021-22 among all dental schools was 20.8. The dental schools with the highest D.A.T. (Academic Average) scores were Columbia University (24), Harvard University (23.8), and University of California-San Francisco (23). The dental schools with the lowest D.A.T. (Academic Average) scores were Meharry Medical College (17.3), Howard University (18.7), and Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (18.9).
The average GPA (Overall Average) in 2021-22 among all dental schools was 3.6. The dental schools with the highest G.P.A. (Overall Average) were Harvard University (3.93), University of Michigan (3.8) and Columbia University (3.78). The dental schools with the lowest G.P.A. (Overall Average) were Meharry Medical College (3.13), Howard University (3.2), and Western University of Health Sciences (3.2).
The figure below shows the average DAT score (Academic Average) and GPA (Overall Average) for all dental schools for the 1st year class of 2021-22. The selected school is shown in red, Public schools in green, Private schools in purple. The size of a school’s dot correlates to the size of their 1st year entering class.
Acceptance Rate & Enrollment Rate
On a school wide basis, the average dental school accepted 13% of their applicants (Acceptance Rate). A lower Acceptance Rate can indicate a more competitive school that is harder to gain admission to. The dental schools with the lowest Acceptance Rate were Harvard University (3.3%), Meharry Medical College (5.1%), and University of Colorado (6.3%). Conversely, the dental schools with the highest Acceptance Rate were University of Puerto Rico (36%), University of Utah (24.6%) and University of Detroit Mercy (22.7%).
On a school wide basis, the average dental school had an Enrollment Rate of 55%. This means that 55% of those admitted ultimately chose to enroll at that school. A higher Enrollment Rate can indicate a more desirable school. It is a sign that those students who are admitted choose to enroll in that school. The schools with the highest Enrollment Rate were Harvard University (100%), University of Mississippi (93%), LSU Health Sciences Center (79.8%) and University of North Carolina (79.8%). The schools with the lowest Enrollment Rate were Case Western Reserve University (25.9%), Touro College of Dental Medicine (30.1%) and Western University of Health Sciences (31.1%).
The figure below shows the Acceptance Rate (number of accepted students/number of applicants) and Enrollment Rate (number of 1st year enrollees/number of students accepted) for all dental schools for the 1st year class of 2021-22. The selected school is shown in red, Public schools in green, Private schools in purple. The size of a school’s dot correlates to the size of their 1st year entering class.
On a school wide basis, the average dental school accepted 13% of their applicants (Acceptance Rate). A lower Acceptance Rate can indicate a more competitive school that is harder to gain admission to. The dental schools with the lowest Acceptance Rate were Harvard University (3.3%), Meharry Medical College (5.1%), and University of Colorado (6.3%). Conversely, the dental schools with the highest Acceptance Rate were University of Puerto Rico (36%), University of Utah (24.6%) and University of Detroit Mercy (22.7%).
On a school wide basis, the average dental school had an Enrollment Rate of 55%. This means that 55% of those admitted ultimately chose to enroll at that school. A higher Enrollment Rate can indicate a more desirable school. It is a sign that those students who are admitted choose to enroll in that school. The schools with the highest Enrollment Rate were Harvard University (100%), University of Mississippi (93%), LSU Health Sciences Center (79.8%) and University of North Carolina (79.8%). The schools with the lowest Enrollment Rate were Case Western Reserve University (25.9%), Touro College of Dental Medicine (30.1%) and Western University of Health Sciences (31.1%).
The figure below shows the Acceptance Rate (number of accepted students/number of applicants) and Enrollment Rate (number of 1st year enrollees/number of students accepted) for all dental schools for the 1st year class of 2021-22. The selected school is shown in red, Public schools in green, Private schools in purple. The size of a school’s dot correlates to the size of their 1st year entering class.
This data shows the origin state and geographic makeup of each dental school. In general, public schools have much less geographic diversity than private schools. Public schools averaged 72% of their students being in-state. The schools with the highest in-state percentage were all Public schools: University of Mississippi (100%), East Carolina University (100%), University of Texas at Houston (96%), University of Illinois, Chicago (96%), and University of Florida (96%). The schools with the lowest in-state percentage were all Private schools: Howard University (3%), Creighton University (8%), Harvard University (11%), University of New England (16%), and Tufts University (16%).
The 2 figures below show the geographic composition for each dental school from 2010 to 2020. This data represents the origin state of each 1st year student.
The 2 figures below show the geographic composition for each dental school from 2010 to 2020. This data represents the origin state of each 1st year student.
In 2021-22, about 49% of students were enrolled in Private schools, 36% were in-state at Public schools, and 15% were out-of-state at Public schools. The average 4 years of Tuition at Private schools is $314K, up from $289K the year before. The average 4 years of Tuition as an in-state student at a Public school is $155K, up from $149K the previous year. The average 4 years of Tuition as an out-of-state student at a Public school is $305K, up from $258K the year before.
In addition to Tuition, schools have Mandatory Fees. These include costs such as pre-clinic and clinical fees, instrument/sterilization fees, books/supplies, uniform costs, etc. This does NOT include any living costs such as housing, food, transportation, etc. The averages student pays a total of $55K in 4 years of Mandatory Fees, up from $53K the previous year.
The most expensive (4 years of Tuition and Fees) Private schools were Midwestern University-Illinois ($424K), University of Southern California ($424K), Midwestern University-Arizona ($414K), New York University ($409K), University of Pacific ($408K), Tufts University ($407K) and Columbia University ($405K). University of Pacific is the only dental school that is 3 years. The least expensive Private schools were Howard University ($223K), LECOM School of Dental Medicine ($276K), Meharry Medical College ($278K) and Marquette University ($286K)
The most expensive (4 years of Tuition and Fees) Public schools for in-state residents were University of Illinois ($289K), University of Washington ($277K), Medical University of South Carolina ($266K) and University of California-Los Angeles ($265K). The least expensive Public schools for in-state residents were University of Puerto Rico ($120K), Augusta University ($141K) and UT Health San Antonio ($142K).
The below graph shows 4 Years of Tuition and Mandatory Fees for the selected school along with all other schools in the region. Public and Private means, Regional mean and National mean are shown in black.
In addition to Tuition, schools have Mandatory Fees. These include costs such as pre-clinic and clinical fees, instrument/sterilization fees, books/supplies, uniform costs, etc. This does NOT include any living costs such as housing, food, transportation, etc. The averages student pays a total of $55K in 4 years of Mandatory Fees, up from $53K the previous year.
The most expensive (4 years of Tuition and Fees) Private schools were Midwestern University-Illinois ($424K), University of Southern California ($424K), Midwestern University-Arizona ($414K), New York University ($409K), University of Pacific ($408K), Tufts University ($407K) and Columbia University ($405K). University of Pacific is the only dental school that is 3 years. The least expensive Private schools were Howard University ($223K), LECOM School of Dental Medicine ($276K), Meharry Medical College ($278K) and Marquette University ($286K)
The most expensive (4 years of Tuition and Fees) Public schools for in-state residents were University of Illinois ($289K), University of Washington ($277K), Medical University of South Carolina ($266K) and University of California-Los Angeles ($265K). The least expensive Public schools for in-state residents were University of Puerto Rico ($120K), Augusta University ($141K) and UT Health San Antonio ($142K).
The below graph shows 4 Years of Tuition and Mandatory Fees for the selected school along with all other schools in the region. Public and Private means, Regional mean and National mean are shown in black.
Loans-Debt
In the most recent year (2021), 83% of dental school students graduated with educational debt. Educational debt takes into account both undergraduate debt and dental school debt. The average educational debt for all indebted graduates was $302K. The average for Private schools ($355K) was significantly higher than Public schools ($261K).
The primary source of loans in Dental School are Federal Loans. Dental School students are able to take out Federal Loans that cover the entire Cost of Attendance (C.O.A.). The 2 main types of Federal Loans are Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (more favorable) and Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loans (less favorable). Unsubsidized Loans have more favorable terms and are always maximized prior to taking out Graduate Plus Loans. The annual limit on Unsubsidized Loans is about $45K a year. The remainder can be borrowed each year from the less favorable Graduate Plus Loans.
The 2 main differences between these 2 loans are origination fee and interest rate. Unsubsidized Loans have an origination fee of 1.057%, while Graduate Plus Loans have an origination fee 4X higher (4.228%). This means you will be charged about $400 when taking an Unsubsidized Loan of $40K, while you’ll be charged $1600+ on a Graduate Plus Loan of $40K. Secondly, the interest rates on Graduate Plus Loans are set to be 1% higher than Unsubsidized Loans. The current interest rate for Unsubsidized Loans is 6.54% (up from 5.28% the previous year). The interest rate for Graduate Plus is 7.54%, up from 6.28% the previous year. For both loans, interest accumulates on all outstanding principal. The interest is capitalized (added to your principal) when your loans become due and repayment starts, about 6 months after graduation from dental school.
As an example, let’s breakdown a student that takes out $300K in loans (about $75K each year). Each year, this student will borrow about $45K in Unsubsidized Loans and $30K in Graduate Plus Loans. By the time repayment begins (6 months after graduation), the $75K that was borrowed 1st year has accumulated over $22K in interest. The $75K that was borrowed 2ndyear will accumulate almost $17K in interest. When repayment begins 6 months after graduation, that $300K loan will have accumulated $57K+ of interest. This interest is capitalized upon repayment, leaving you with a principal of $357K.
In March 2020, as a response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Congress paused all Federal student loan payments. As part of this pause, interest rates for all federal loans were set to 0%. President Biden recently extended this pause through December 2022. In announcing this extension, they affirmed that student loan payments will resume in January 2023. At this time, interest rates will also return to normal. It has been reported that the Dept of Education is considering ending interest rate capitalization. At this time, it is just a proposal.
The below graph is based on A.D.A. data from students in 2020-21. This data set provided the average amount of Federal Loans taken out at each dental school among those indebted students. The below plot shows the interest that would accrue on those loans during dental school prior to repayment beginning 6 months after graduation.
In the most recent year (2021), 83% of dental school students graduated with educational debt. Educational debt takes into account both undergraduate debt and dental school debt. The average educational debt for all indebted graduates was $302K. The average for Private schools ($355K) was significantly higher than Public schools ($261K).
The primary source of loans in Dental School are Federal Loans. Dental School students are able to take out Federal Loans that cover the entire Cost of Attendance (C.O.A.). The 2 main types of Federal Loans are Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (more favorable) and Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loans (less favorable). Unsubsidized Loans have more favorable terms and are always maximized prior to taking out Graduate Plus Loans. The annual limit on Unsubsidized Loans is about $45K a year. The remainder can be borrowed each year from the less favorable Graduate Plus Loans.
The 2 main differences between these 2 loans are origination fee and interest rate. Unsubsidized Loans have an origination fee of 1.057%, while Graduate Plus Loans have an origination fee 4X higher (4.228%). This means you will be charged about $400 when taking an Unsubsidized Loan of $40K, while you’ll be charged $1600+ on a Graduate Plus Loan of $40K. Secondly, the interest rates on Graduate Plus Loans are set to be 1% higher than Unsubsidized Loans. The current interest rate for Unsubsidized Loans is 6.54% (up from 5.28% the previous year). The interest rate for Graduate Plus is 7.54%, up from 6.28% the previous year. For both loans, interest accumulates on all outstanding principal. The interest is capitalized (added to your principal) when your loans become due and repayment starts, about 6 months after graduation from dental school.
As an example, let’s breakdown a student that takes out $300K in loans (about $75K each year). Each year, this student will borrow about $45K in Unsubsidized Loans and $30K in Graduate Plus Loans. By the time repayment begins (6 months after graduation), the $75K that was borrowed 1st year has accumulated over $22K in interest. The $75K that was borrowed 2ndyear will accumulate almost $17K in interest. When repayment begins 6 months after graduation, that $300K loan will have accumulated $57K+ of interest. This interest is capitalized upon repayment, leaving you with a principal of $357K.
In March 2020, as a response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Congress paused all Federal student loan payments. As part of this pause, interest rates for all federal loans were set to 0%. President Biden recently extended this pause through December 2022. In announcing this extension, they affirmed that student loan payments will resume in January 2023. At this time, interest rates will also return to normal. It has been reported that the Dept of Education is considering ending interest rate capitalization. At this time, it is just a proposal.
The below graph is based on A.D.A. data from students in 2020-21. This data set provided the average amount of Federal Loans taken out at each dental school among those indebted students. The below plot shows the interest that would accrue on those loans during dental school prior to repayment beginning 6 months after graduation.
Repayment
Many students will enter a repayment plan of between 5 and 20 years. Interest will continue to accumulate on those Federal Loans (6.54% for Unsubsidized Loans, 7.54% for Graduate Plus Loans). Many students will choose to refinance their Federal Loans with a private lender. Private lenders offer lower interest rates that can significantly lower monthly payments. When applying to refinance with a private lender, they often look at your debt-to-income ratio. For many new graduates with significant debt, it may take a few years for their income to reach a level where they are able to refinance with a private lender.
What do monthly repayments look like? Let’s go back to the student that borrowed $300K in Federal Loans. By the time repayment begins, that loan accumulated $57K+ of interest, which is capitalized, leaving a principal of $357K. Monthly repayments on that $357K principal over 5 years would be $7000+/month. For 10 years, $4100+/month. 15 years is $3200/month, and 20 years is $2700+/month.
The next plot shows the monthly repayment amount for various loan terms (5 yrs, 10 yrs, 20 yrs). These calculations assume the loans are not privately refinanced.
Many students will enter a repayment plan of between 5 and 20 years. Interest will continue to accumulate on those Federal Loans (6.54% for Unsubsidized Loans, 7.54% for Graduate Plus Loans). Many students will choose to refinance their Federal Loans with a private lender. Private lenders offer lower interest rates that can significantly lower monthly payments. When applying to refinance with a private lender, they often look at your debt-to-income ratio. For many new graduates with significant debt, it may take a few years for their income to reach a level where they are able to refinance with a private lender.
What do monthly repayments look like? Let’s go back to the student that borrowed $300K in Federal Loans. By the time repayment begins, that loan accumulated $57K+ of interest, which is capitalized, leaving a principal of $357K. Monthly repayments on that $357K principal over 5 years would be $7000+/month. For 10 years, $4100+/month. 15 years is $3200/month, and 20 years is $2700+/month.
The next plot shows the monthly repayment amount for various loan terms (5 yrs, 10 yrs, 20 yrs). These calculations assume the loans are not privately refinanced.
In 2020, general dentists had an average income of $143K. On average, owners ($150K) made more than employees ($120K). Specialists made significantly more, averaging $251K. These averages in 2020 were about $30K less than prior years due to the impact of Covid-19.
The below plot shows the national mean for dentists from 2006 to 2020 (data provided by the A.D.A.). It also shows state level income (data provided by the B.L.S.). For each dental school, the 5 most relevant states (based on state of origin) are included.
The below plot shows the national mean for dentists from 2006 to 2020 (data provided by the A.D.A.). It also shows state level income (data provided by the B.L.S.). For each dental school, the 5 most relevant states (based on state of origin) are included.
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