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

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 $28,060—well above both the national median of $25,255 and California's $24,628—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

Earnings Distribution

How Carrington College-San Jose 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-San Jose$28,060$31,230+11%
Cabrillo College$74,741$69,093-8%
Carrington College-Sacramento$28,060$31,230+11%
Carrington College-San Leandro Campus$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-San JoseSan Jose$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-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.