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-San Jose's dental support program stands out in a crowded field, ranking in the 73rd percentile nationally and 60th percentile among California's 96 dental support programs. With first-year earnings of $28,060β€”well above both the national median of $25,255 and California's $24,628β€”graduates earn more than most of their peers right out of the gate. The manageable debt load of $9,151 translates to a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their education investment.

The earnings trajectory shows healthy 11% growth over four years, reaching $31,230 by year four. While this program won't produce the exceptional outcomes seen at top performers like Cabrillo College ($74,741), it delivers solid, above-average results that position graduates well in California's competitive dental support job market. Nearly half the students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves working-class families seeking practical career training.

For parents considering this investment, the numbers tell a straightforward story: graduates earn more than typical program completers nationally and in-state, carry reasonable debt, and see steady income growth. This represents a sound educational investment for students seeking quick entry into stable healthcare support roles.

Where Carrington College-San Jose Stands

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

Carrington College-San JoseOther 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-San Jose graduates compare to all programs nationally

Carrington College-San Jose 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-San Jose$28,060$31,230$9,1510.33
Cabrillo College$74,741$69,093β€”β€”
Cerritos College$34,175β€”β€”β€”
Unitek College$31,425β€”$9,0390.29
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD$31,425$30,730β€”β€”
North-West College-Van Nuys$31,215β€”$8,7820.28
National Median$25,255β€”$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$74,741β€”
Cerritos College
Norwalk
$1,364$34,175β€”
Unitek College
Fremont
β€”$31,425$9,039
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD
Concord
β€”$31,425β€”
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-San Jose, approximately 49% 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.