Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Fayetteville Technical Community College
Associate's Degree
faytechcc.eduAnalysis
North Carolina's dental support programs cluster tightly around $55,000-60,000 in first-year earnings, and peer programs across the state suggest Fayetteville Tech's program falls squarely in this range. With an estimated debt load of $17,080—well below both the state median of $27,000 and the national figure of $19,000—this program offers a more manageable debt burden than most comparable options. That 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly three months' salary, a level that shouldn't strain household budgets even in the early years.
The earnings trajectory tells an important story: similar programs show modest growth from $55,792 to $57,628 between years one and four. This isn't a field where income jumps dramatically with experience, but it does offer stability. Dental hygiene and dental assisting positions tend to follow predictable salary scales, and these figures reflect that reality. For a two-year degree, breaking into the mid-$50,000s immediately is solid, though families should understand this is likely close to the ceiling without additional credentials or moving into specialized dental practice roles.
The estimated debt advantage here matters more than the earnings difference between schools. Whether a graduate earns $55,000 or $60,000, they're entering a stable healthcare field with manageable debt—the kind of outcome that lets someone build financial security rather than just service loans.
Where Fayetteville Technical Community College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | — | $57,628 | — |
| Coastal Carolina Community College | $50,081 | $59,446 | +19% |
| Guilford Technical Community College | $59,473 | $55,109 | -7% |
| Central Piedmont Community College | $56,456 | $52,864 | -6% |
| Catawba Valley Community College | $55,128 | $49,214 | -11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,628 | $55,792* | $57,628 | $17,080* | — | |
| $2,554 | $60,458* | — | —* | — | |
| $2,319 | $59,473* | $55,109 | $13,212* | 0.22 | |
| $2,256 | $56,717* | — | —* | — | |
| $2,792 | $56,456* | $52,864 | —* | — | |
| $2,367 | $55,128* | $49,214 | —* | — | |
| 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 Fayetteville Technical Community College, approximately 34% 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 8 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.