Est. Earnings (1yr)
$70,541
Est. from CA median (9 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$17,080
Est. from national median (104 programs)

Analysis

California's dental support programs consistently outpace the national median of $55,016, and the estimated $70,541 in first-year earnings for comparable programs in the state suggests this field offers solid financial footing in a high-cost labor market. With an estimated debt load of just $17,080—significantly below both the national median ($19,309) and state median ($26,125)—similar programs produce a manageable 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio that parents should find reassuring.

What's striking is how San Francisco's competitive dental market likely works in graduates' favor. While we can't verify this specific program's outcomes due to small class sizes, City College's community college pricing appears to deliver strong value compared to for-profit alternatives in California that charge considerably more for similar training. The estimated earnings align with the state median, suggesting students enter a field where even median performance translates to reasonable first-year compensation.

For parents weighing this investment, the low debt burden matters more than the uncertainty around precise earnings. Even if actual outcomes fall somewhat below the state median, borrowing under $20,000 for entry into a stable healthcare field leaves graduates with financial flexibility. The real question is whether your student can secure clinical placements in San Francisco's competitive dental offices—that's where program reputation and career services make the difference that limited data can't reveal.

Where City College of San Francisco Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in California (45 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
City College of San FranciscoSan Francisco$1,696$70,541*—$17,080*—
Chabot CollegeHayward$1,150$85,175*$87,048—*—
Concorde Career College-San BernardinoSan Bernardino—$73,660*$58,500$26,125*0.35
Concorde Career College-Garden GroveGarden Grove—$72,160*$58,230$29,176*0.40
Concorde Career College-San DiegoSan Diego—$70,807*$56,906$26,125*0.37
Carrington College-SacramentoSacramento—$70,541*$63,413$32,350*0.46
National Median—$55,016*—$19,309*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

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 City College of San Francisco, approximately 17% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.