Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Center for Instruction Technology & Innovation

The unusually low debt load here—just $6,711—is remarkable for a dental support program and deserves your attention, especially considering 61% of students receive Pell grants. This program costs roughly a third of what typical dental support programs charge nationally, making it potentially valuable for families who need to minimize borrowing.

The earnings story is more nuanced. At $27,400, graduates earn slightly above the national median but trail the New York state median of $28,538. Among the 13 programs in New York, this ranks in the 40th percentile—solidly middle-of-the-pack. Top community college programs like Erie and Monroe produce graduates earning $3,000-$3,500 more annually, which over several years can offset their higher debt loads. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably with more data.

For families prioritizing minimal debt—particularly important for those who might struggle to repay loans—this program's rock-bottom cost makes it a defensible choice despite modest earnings. You're essentially betting that graduating with $2,000-$3,000 less debt matters more than potentially earning $1,000-$2,000 less annually. Just know that better-paying options exist elsewhere in the state if your child can access them affordably.