Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,060
73rd percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$9,151
4% below national median

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 debt—slightly 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

Earnings Distribution

How Carrington College-Sacramento graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Carrington College-Sacramento$28,060$31,230+11%
Cabrillo College$74,741$69,093-8%
Carrington College-San Leandro Campus$28,060$31,230+11%
Carrington College-San Jose$28,060$31,230+11%
Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus$28,060$31,230+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Carrington College-SacramentoSacramento$28,060$31,230$9,1510.33
Cabrillo CollegeAptos$1,270$74,741$69,093
Cerritos CollegeNorwalk$1,364$34,175
Unitek CollegeFremont$31,425$9,0390.29
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USDConcord$31,425$30,730
North-West College-Van NuysVan Nuys$31,215$8,7820.28
National Median$25,255$9,5000.38

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with dental support services and allied professions graduates

Dental Hygienists

Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.

$94,260/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Dental Assistants

Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

$47,300/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Dental Laboratory Technicians

Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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.