Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at City College of San Francisco
Associate's Degree
ccsf.eduAnalysis
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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,696 | $70,541* | — | $17,080* | — | |
| $1,150 | $85,175* | $87,048 | —* | — | |
| — | $73,660* | $58,500 | $26,125* | 0.35 | |
| — | $72,160* | $58,230 | $29,176* | 0.40 | |
| — | $70,807* | $56,906 | $26,125* | 0.37 | |
| — | $70,541* | $63,413 | $32,350* | 0.46 | |
| National Median | — | $55,016* | — | $19,309* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with dental support services and allied professions graduates
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.