Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Carrington College-Sacramento
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Carrington College-Sacramento's dental support program outperforms most competitors nationally but sits in the middle tier within California. With first-year earnings of $28,060, graduates earn more than 73% of similar programs nationwide and exceed both the national median ($25,255) and California median ($24,628) for dental support roles. However, the program ranks at the 60th percentile among California's 96 dental support programs, meaning students could potentially find stronger options within the state.
The financial picture is manageable with $9,151 in median debtβslightly below national and state averages for this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means graduates typically owe about four months of their first-year salary, which is reasonable for a certificate program. Earnings show modest but consistent growth, rising 11% to $31,230 by the fourth year after graduation.
For parents considering this investment, Carrington-Sacramento represents a solid choice that delivers above-average national outcomes. While California offers some significantly higher-earning options (Cabrillo College graduates earn $74,741), those programs may have different admission requirements or limited availability. This program provides predictable entry into the dental support field with manageable debt levels, making it a practical option for students seeking stable healthcare employment without extensive educational debt.
Where Carrington College-Sacramento 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 Carrington College-Sacramento graduates compare to all programs nationally
Carrington College-Sacramento 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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrington College-Sacramento | $28,060 | $31,230 | $9,151 | 0.33 |
| Cabrillo College | $74,741 | $69,093 | β | β |
| Cerritos College | $34,175 | β | β | β |
| Unitek College | $31,425 | β | $9,039 | 0.29 |
| Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD | $31,425 | $30,730 | β | β |
| North-West College-Van Nuys | $31,215 | β | $8,782 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $25,255 | β | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabrillo College Aptos | $1,270 | $74,741 | β |
| Cerritos College Norwalk | $1,364 | $34,175 | β |
| Unitek College Fremont | β | $31,425 | $9,039 |
| Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD Concord | β | $31,425 | β |
| North-West College-Van Nuys Van Nuys | β | $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-Sacramento, approximately 56% 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.