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

Analysis

Carrington College-Stockton's dental support program outperforms most competitors nationally, ranking in the 73rd percentile for earnings while keeping debt manageable at just $9,151. Starting salaries of $28,060 exceed both the national median ($25,255) and California median ($24,628) for this field, though the program sits at the 60th percentile among California schools—solid but not exceptional within the state.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 is reasonable for a healthcare certificate program, meaning graduates can expect to earn back their investment relatively quickly. Earnings growth of 11% over four years shows steady career progression, reaching $31,230 by year four. However, it's worth noting that top-performing California programs like Cabrillo College produce graduates earning more than double this amount, suggesting significant variation in outcomes across schools.

For families seeking an affordable entry point into dental support services, this program delivers solid value. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates a favorable financial foundation, particularly important given that 60% of students receive Pell grants. While not among California's elite programs, Carrington-Stockton provides a reliable path to steady employment in a growing healthcare field.

Where Carrington College-Stockton Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Carrington College-Stockton 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-Stockton$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-San Jose$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-StocktonStockton$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-Stockton, approximately 60% 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.