Median Earnings (1yr)
$56,717
57th percentile
60th percentile in North Carolina
Est. Median Debt
$17,080
Est. from national median (104 programs)

Analysis

Forsyth Tech's dental support program produces first-year earnings of $56,717—slightly above both the state and national medians for this credential. While the debt figure of $17,080 is estimated from similar community college programs nationwide, it represents a manageable 0.30 ratio to first-year earnings, well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. Actual North Carolina programs in this field report median debt of $26,779, suggesting Forsyth's community college pricing may deliver better value than that state average, though the exact debt load remains uncertain without reported data.

The earnings put graduates in the middle of the pack among NC dental support programs—behind top performers like Central Carolina ($60,458) and Guilford Tech ($59,473), but comfortably ahead of programs like Coastal Carolina. For a two-year credential serving a substantial Pell population (41%), these outcomes suggest reliable entry into a stable healthcare field. Dental hygienists and assistants face steady demand, and starting near $57,000 provides solid financial footing.

The key question is whether Forsyth's actual debt matches the estimated $17,080. If graduates are borrowing closer to the state median of $26,779, the value proposition weakens considerably. Parents should contact the financial aid office directly for typical debt loads among recent dental support graduates—that concrete number will determine whether this represents an affordable path into allied health careers.

Where Forsyth Technical Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Forsyth Technical Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWinston-Salem$2,256$56,717—$17,080*—
Central Carolina Community CollegeSanford$2,554$60,458——*—
Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown$2,319$59,473$55,109$13,212*0.22
Central Piedmont Community CollegeCharlotte$2,792$56,456$52,864—*—
Catawba Valley Community CollegeHickory$2,367$55,128$49,214—*—
Coastal Carolina Community CollegeJacksonville$2,462$50,081$59,446—*—
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 Forsyth Technical Community College, approximately 41% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 12 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.