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-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 schoolsβ€”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

Carrington College-StocktonOther 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-Stockton graduates compare to all programs nationally

Carrington College-Stockton 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-Stockton$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-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.