Analysis
The numbers here look promising, but there's an important caveat: both the earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from similar dental support programs across California and the nation, not reported outcomes from College of Marin graduates. That said, the estimated first-year earnings of $70,541 align with California's median for these programs, which run considerably higher than the national figure of $55,016—reflecting the state's robust dental industry and higher cost of living.
The estimated debt load of $17,080 comes in well below both the state median ($26,125) and national median ($19,309) for dental support programs. At a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, graduates would theoretically be borrowing roughly a quarter of their first-year income, a manageable level that suggests they could pay down their loans relatively quickly. California's top-performing dental support programs report actual earnings ranging from $70,500 to over $85,000, so there's potential upside if College of Marin's outcomes land in that range.
For parents evaluating this investment, the fundamentals look reasonable based on peer programs, but the lack of specific graduate data means you're making this decision with less certainty than you'd have with schools that report actual outcomes. If your child is committed to dental support work and plans to stay in California where wages are higher, the estimated numbers suggest a viable path—just recognize you're relying on how similar programs have performed rather than this school's track record.
Where College of Marin 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)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,558 | $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 College of Marin, 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.