Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Concorde Career College-San Diego

Concorde Career College-San Diego's dental support program launches graduates at $70,807—nearly $16,000 above the national median—but that earnings advantage evaporates quickly. By year four, median earnings drop to $56,906, a 20% decline that suggests many graduates either leave the field or shift to lower-paying roles. While this school ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, it sits right at the California median, meaning dozens of in-state options deliver comparable first-year outcomes. Other Concorde locations actually outperform San Diego, with the San Bernardino campus reporting $73,660 in early earnings.

The $26,125 debt load equals the state median and sits below the 25th percentile nationally—manageable at 37% of first-year earnings. The real concern is where graduates stand after a few years in the workforce. That sharp earnings decline means the debt-to-income picture looks considerably worse by year four, when former students are still making loan payments but earning $14,000 less annually.

For families weighing this program, the strong launch matters less than the trajectory. If your child plans to stay in dental support roles long-term, explore why earnings decline so sharply here—whether it's scheduling changes, burnout, or market saturation in San Diego. Community colleges like Chabot deliver higher earnings with likely lower costs, making them worth serious consideration before committing to this program's price tag.