Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at College of Southern Nevada
Associate's Degree
csn.eduAnalysis
Dental hygiene and dental assisting programs at community colleges typically offer strong career prospects, and the estimated numbers here suggest College of Southern Nevada follows that pattern. Based on national benchmarks for similar programs, graduates likely enter the workforce around $55,000, climbing to over $71,000 by year four—a meaningful jump that reflects how dental support roles reward experience and expanded responsibilities. With estimated debt around $17,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 puts this squarely in comfortable territory compared to many healthcare training programs.
The four-year earnings figure of $71,702 is actual reported data for this program, which provides concrete evidence that graduates who stay in the field see real income growth. Las Vegas's healthcare market, driven by a large service-sector workforce needing dental care, likely supports demand for these roles. The estimated first-year figure aligns with what dental assistants and hygienists typically earn nationally, suggesting the program prepares students for standard entry-level positions.
For parents weighing this investment, the math works: modest debt that graduates should be able to manage on starting salaries, with clear earning potential as skills develop. The caveat is that we're relying on peer program data for the initial picture, so your child should connect with the program to understand job placement specifics and whether graduates tend toward dental assisting (lower pay) or hygiene (higher pay) roles.
Where College of Southern Nevada Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada | — | $71,702 | — |
| Chabot College | $85,175 | $87,048 | +2% |
| Shoreline Community College | $78,372 | $76,105 | -3% |
| Northern Virginia Community College | $70,727 | $75,837 | +7% |
| Fortis Institute-Wayne | $70,276 | $74,566 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,110 | $55,016* | $71,702 | $17,080* | — | |
| $1,150 | $85,175* | $87,048 | —* | — | |
| $4,388 | $78,372* | $76,105 | $27,250* | 0.35 | |
| $4,902 | $76,712* | $62,109 | $29,472* | 0.38 | |
| — | $73,660* | $58,500 | $26,125* | 0.35 | |
| — | $72,160* | $58,230 | $29,176* | 0.40 | |
| 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 Southern Nevada, approximately 30% 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.