Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Forsyth Technical Community College
Associate's Degree
forsythtech.eduAnalysis
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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,256 | $56,717 | — | $17,080* | — | |
| $2,554 | $60,458 | — | —* | — | |
| $2,319 | $59,473 | $55,109 | $13,212* | 0.22 | |
| $2,792 | $56,456 | $52,864 | —* | — | |
| $2,367 | $55,128 | $49,214 | —* | — | |
| $2,462 | $50,081 | $59,446 | —* | — | |
| 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 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.