Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,060
73rd percentile (60th in CA)
Median Debt
$9,151
4% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.33
Manageable
Sample Size
332
Adequate data

Analysis

Carrington College-Pleasant Hill's dental support program outperforms most competitors while keeping debt manageable, making it a solid choice for students entering this allied health field. With first-year earnings of $28,060, graduates earn more than the national median ($25,255) and significantly more than the California state median ($24,628). Among the 96 California programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—respectable performance in a competitive state market.

The debt picture strengthens the program's appeal. At $9,151, student debt sits slightly below both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.33. This means graduates can reasonably expect to earn back their educational investment in about four months of work. The 11% earnings growth over four years to $31,230 shows the field offers modest but steady income progression.

While this program won't produce the exceptional earners seen at top California schools like Cabrillo College ($74,741), it delivers reliable entry into a stable healthcare field without crushing debt. For families seeking practical career training with reasonable financial risk, Carrington's dental support program offers a straightforward path to steady employment in the growing healthcare sector.

Where Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions certificate's programs nationally

Carrington College-Pleasant Hill CampusOther dental support services and allied professions programs

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 Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 73th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (96 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus$28,060$31,230$9,1510.33
Cabrillo College$74,741$69,093
Cerritos College$34,175
Unitek College$31,425$9,0390.29
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD$31,425$30,730
North-West College-Van Nuys$31,215$8,7820.28
National Median$25,255$9,5000.38

Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Cabrillo College
Aptos
$1,270$74,741
Cerritos College
Norwalk
$1,364$34,175
Unitek College
Fremont
$31,425$9,039
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD
Concord
$31,425
North-West College-Van Nuys
Van Nuys
$31,215$8,782

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 Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus, approximately 50% 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 332 graduates with reported earnings and 454 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.