Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Carrington College-San Jose
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
carrington.eduAnalysis
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $28,060 | $31,230 | $9,151 | 0.33 | |
| $1,270 | $74,741 | $69,093 | — | — | |
| $1,364 | $34,175 | — | — | — | |
| — | $31,425 | — | $9,039 | 0.29 | |
| — | $31,425 | $30,730 | — | — | |
| — | $31,215 | — | $8,782 | 0.28 | |
| National Median | — | $25,255 | — | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with dental support services and allied professions graduates
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.