Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Carrington College-Boise

Carrington College-Boise's dental assistant certificate generates earnings right at Idaho's median for this field, with graduates earning $26,489 in their first year—about $1,200 above the national median. With just four schools offering this program in Idaho, students don't have many local alternatives, making this program's 60th percentile performance against state and national benchmarks relevant for in-state students looking to enter dental support quickly.

The debt picture here is notably favorable. At under $9,000, graduates face monthly payments around $100—manageable on a dental assistant's salary and roughly $500 less than the national median debt for these programs. The 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio means total debt equals about four months of income, allowing most graduates to pay off their loans within a few years while working full-time.

The modest 4% earnings growth between years one and four suggests these roles plateau quickly, which is typical for entry-level dental support positions. However, the low debt burden means graduates aren't locked into extended repayment schedules. For students seeking rapid entry into healthcare without significant debt—particularly the 47% here on Pell grants—this certificate offers a practical pathway to stable employment in Idaho's dental offices, though career advancement may require additional credentials.