Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Century College

Century College graduates start above Minnesota's median for dental support programs—landing in the 60th percentile statewide—but there's a concerning pattern in the earnings trajectory. First-year earnings of $47,789 actually decline to $44,093 by year four, an 8% drop that's unusual in healthcare fields where experience typically commands higher pay. This suggests graduates may be hitting a ceiling quickly or facing limited advancement opportunities within their roles.

The debt picture adds another layer of complexity. At $29,300, students here borrow nearly 50% more than the state median and rank in just the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs carry less debt). While the first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 is manageable, it becomes less favorable as earnings decline. Compare this to nearby Normandale Community College, where graduates earn $62,751—a $15,000 difference that compounds significantly over a career.

For families seeking value in Minnesota dental programs, Century College sits in an awkward middle ground: earnings are decent initially but don't improve, while debt runs higher than most alternatives. If your child is considering this path, the combination of declining earnings and above-average debt warrants close attention to career placement support and whether the program leads to roles with genuine advancement potential. The numbers suggest graduates may need to pivot or specialize fairly quickly to maintain their earning power.