Median Earnings (1yr)
$62,426
80th percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$14,400
25% below national median

Analysis

Hostos Community College consistently outperforms its price point in dental support services. Graduates earn $62,426 in their first year—beating the national median by $7,400 and placing in the 80th percentile nationally. More importantly, they carry just $14,400 in debt, roughly $5,000 less than typical for this field. That 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than three months' salary, one of the better financial pictures you'll find in allied health training.

The New York comparison tells an even more compelling story. While Hostos ranks solidly in the middle of state programs for earnings (60th percentile), it likely delivers far better value than pricier alternatives. Only Orange County and SUNY Broome produce notably higher earners, yet Hostos serves 63% Pell-eligible students—suggesting it's providing strong career outcomes for students who often face the biggest financial constraints. Earnings growth to $69,901 by year four indicates stable career progression rather than a quick ceiling.

For families weighing community college options in the New York metro area, this program represents exactly what the two-year model should deliver: quick entry to a profession paying above-average wages with minimal debt burden. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, but the fundamentals here are sound.

Where CUNY Hostos Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How CUNY Hostos Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
CUNY Hostos Community College$62,426$69,901+12%
New York University$57,035$67,080+18%
Farmingdale State College$57,077$61,493+8%
Orange County Community College$64,661$55,536-14%
Hudson Valley Community College$52,151$52,972+2%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (13 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
CUNY Hostos Community CollegeBronx$5,208$62,426$69,901$14,4000.23
Orange County Community CollegeMiddletown$6,382$64,661$55,536——
SUNY Broome Community CollegeBinghamton$7,470$60,032$49,661$18,8760.31
Plaza CollegeForest Hills$15,450$57,819—$25,2500.44
Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale$8,576$57,077$61,493$20,7180.36
New York UniversityNew York$60,438$57,035$67,080$21,2410.37
National Median—$55,016—$19,3090.35

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 CUNY Hostos Community College, approximately 63% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 59 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.