Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Carrington College-Spokane

Carrington College-Spokane's dental support program starts strong—placing graduates in the 86th percentile nationally—but the 5% earnings decline by year four deserves scrutiny. That first-year salary of $30,326 beats the national median by $5,000, yet within Washington, this program sits at the 60th percentile, trailing Spokane Community College graduates by nearly $5,000 annually. The relatively modest debt load of $9,409 means graduates only owe about four months of income, making this accessible even if earning potential plateaus early.

The downward earnings trajectory raises questions about career advancement in this field, though it's worth noting this pattern may reflect part-time work or workforce exits rather than wage stagnation for those who stay. With half of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a population where managing debt is critical—and on that front, the low debt burden is genuinely helpful.

For a family weighing options, this program offers a quick entry point to dental support work with manageable debt, but it's not the top performer in Washington. If your student can access Spokane Community College instead, that program delivers 15% higher earnings. Still, if Carrington's scheduling or location works better for your family, the debt-to-earnings ratio won't trap anyone in a financial hole—just don't expect significant salary growth after that first year.