Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Florida State College at Jacksonville

First-year earnings of $59,330 position this program competitively—above both the state and national medians for dental support programs—while estimated debt of around $15,000 based on comparable Florida programs suggests a manageable burden. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 is solid, meaning graduates would theoretically owe less than three months' salary. The concern isn't the starting point; it's where earnings head next.

The troubling pattern here is the 16% earnings decline between year one and year four, dropping to $49,513. This reversal is unusual for allied health programs, which typically see steady income growth. It could reflect graduates shifting from full-time clinical roles to part-time positions, moving into lower-paying administrative work, or leaving the field entirely. Whatever the cause, it suggests instability that parents should investigate directly with the school's career services office.

The bottom line: if your child plans to stay in direct patient care—dental assisting, dental hygiene support, or similar clinical roles—the initial return looks reasonable despite the data limitations. But demand specifics about job placement rates and whether graduates maintain clinical positions long-term. That earnings drop isn't typical of the field and deserves a clear explanation before committing.