Est. Earnings (1yr)
$55,016
Est. from national median (196 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$17,080
Est. from national median (104 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 suggests manageable borrowing for a dental support career, though the estimates here deserve scrutiny. Based on comparable dental support programs nationwide, graduates typically earn around $55,000 in their first year with roughly $17,000 in debt—figures that would make this program financially viable. However, the one Idaho school with reported outcomes shows significantly higher earnings at $61,000, suggesting local market conditions may differ from the national picture used to estimate this program's results.

The gap matters because Idaho's dental support programs also typically carry higher debt loads—around $31,000 at the state median versus the $17,000 estimated here. If College of Southern Idaho's actual debt levels align more with state norms than national ones, the financial picture becomes tighter. Dental hygienists and assistants generally find steady employment in Idaho's growing communities, but the difference between a $17,000 and $31,000 debt burden substantially changes the first few years after graduation.

Given the data limitations, request actual outcomes from the program directly before committing. Ask specifically about recent graduate employment rates, starting salaries in the Twin Falls area, and typical debt loads for completers. The fundamentals of dental support education suggest solid career prospects, but you need real numbers from this specific program to assess whether it delivers value competitive with other Idaho options.

Where College of Southern Idaho Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (4 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
College of Southern IdahoTwin Falls$3,360$55,016*$17,080*
Carrington College-BoiseBoise$60,958*$60,006$31,341*0.51
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 College of Southern Idaho, approximately 19% 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 national median of 196 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.