Est. Earnings (1yr)
$56,307
Est. from TX median (14 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$16,500
Est. from TX median (3 programs)

Analysis

In Texas, dental support programs range from powerhouse performers earning over $70,000 to more modest outcomes, and Dallas College appears positioned in the middle tier based on peer programs. Similar programs in Texas suggest first-year earnings around $56,300—essentially matching the state median but falling well short of what graduates earn at nearby Tarrant County College ($65,500) or Concorde Career College-Dallas ($65,700). That gap matters when you're trying to pay off loans and launch a career.

The estimated debt load of $16,500 is actually the bright spot here. It's notably below both the state median ($25,250) and national median ($19,300) for these programs, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29. Even at the estimated earnings level, a graduate could theoretically dedicate 15-20% of their income and retire this debt within a year or two. That's a reasonable financial position for an associate degree program, though it assumes those estimated earnings hold true for Dallas College specifically.

The real uncertainty is whether Dallas College's graduates match the state median or fall closer to the top performers nearby. With several Texas programs producing significantly stronger earnings outcomes, parents should contact Dallas College's career services directly to ask about actual placement rates and starting salaries for recent graduates. The estimated numbers suggest acceptable value, but knowing where this program truly ranks among its Texas peers would remove significant guesswork from a $16,500 investment.

Where Dallas College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (28 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$56,307*$16,500*
Pima Medical Institute-HoustonHouston$71,216*$69,436$32,500*0.46
Concorde Career College-DallasDallas$65,693*$67,065$25,250*0.38
Tarrant County College DistrictFort Worth$1,728$65,537*$57,808*
Concorde Career College-San AntonioSan Antonio$64,381*$58,922$26,548*0.41
Austin Community College DistrictAustin$2,550$60,475*$59,676*
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 Dallas College, approximately 23% 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 14 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.