Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Albany Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Albany Technical College's dental support program punches above its weight, delivering earnings that outpace three-quarters of similar programs nationally and placing it among Georgia's top earners for this credential—just behind Augusta Technical College's $28,949. At $28,683 in first-year earnings, graduates here earn roughly $1,800 more than the Georgia median and $3,400 more than the national typical program.
The debt picture looks equally promising. With $9,920 in median debt, graduates carry a manageable loan burden that results in a 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning loans equal just over four months of income. That's better than about 76% of similar programs nationally. For context, this is far below the concerning threshold where debt becomes difficult to manage on a dental assistant's salary.
The main caveat: these results come from a small graduating class (under 30 students), so individual outcomes can vary more than at larger programs. Still, for families considering dental support training in Southwest Georgia, this program delivers competitive outcomes at modest cost. The fact that 62% of students receive Pell grants suggests the school successfully serves lower-income students while maintaining strong earnings outcomes—a combination worth noting in a field where quick, affordable credentialing matters.
Where Albany Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Albany Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Albany Technical College graduates earn $29k, placing them in the 77th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany Technical College | $28,683 | — | $9,920 | 0.35 |
| Augusta Technical College | $28,949 | — | — | — |
| Gwinnett Technical College | $27,071 | $31,871 | — | — |
| Savannah Technical College | $26,911 | $26,328 | — | — |
| West Georgia Technical College | $25,487 | — | — | — |
| Fortis College-Smyrna | $24,564 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $25,255 | — | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta Technical College Augusta | $4,022 | $28,949 | — |
| Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville | $3,356 | $27,071 | — |
| Savannah Technical College Savannah | $3,072 | $26,911 | — |
| West Georgia Technical College Waco | $3,122 | $25,487 | — |
| Fortis College-Smyrna Smyrna | $14,929 | $24,564 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Albany Technical College, approximately 62% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.