Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Carrington College-Phoenix North

Carrington College-Phoenix North's dental support program posts strong first-year earnings of $64,434—about $1,000 above the Arizona median and 17% above the national average. However, the $27,688 debt load runs about $7,500 higher than both state and national medians for this degree. While the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 remains manageable, graduates should understand they're paying a premium compared to community college alternatives like Pima ($62,481 starting, likely much lower debt) or Mesa ($56,024).

The real concern is the earnings trajectory: graduates see income drop 16% by year four, falling to $54,381. This pattern is unusual for dental support roles, which typically offer stable employment. It could reflect graduates moving from higher-paying specialty offices to general practices, or simply the challenge of job mobility in this field. Among Arizona's eight dental support programs, this one ranks in the 60th percentile—middle of the pack despite higher tuition costs.

For families evaluating this program, the calculation is straightforward: you'll likely start strong but pay more for that outcome than at nearby community colleges. If immediate job placement and career services justify the extra $7,500 in debt for your situation, the initial earnings support that investment. But given the income decline and Arizona's solid community college options in this field, most families should comparison shop carefully before committing to the higher price tag.