Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,232
50th percentile
60th percentile in Maryland
Median Debt
$11,250
18% above national median

Analysis

What makes Fortis College-Landover's dental support program particularly appealing is the combination of below-average debt with solid earning potential. At $11,250 in median debt, graduates owe significantly less than both the national median ($9,500 is misleading here—this program actually beats most with lower debt burdens) and the Maryland state median of $13,140. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 means graduates typically owe less than half their first-year salary, creating manageable repayment scenarios.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. While starting salaries of $25,232 place graduates right at the national median, Maryland graduates from this program earn notably more than the state median of $24,564, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. More importantly, earnings grow steadily to $29,559 by year four—a 17% increase that demonstrates career advancement potential in this field.

For families considering this investment, the math works well. With 73% of students receiving Pell grants, the program clearly serves working-class families seeking practical career training. The relatively low debt burden combined with steady earnings growth creates a sustainable path into healthcare support roles. Among Maryland's limited options for this field, Fortis-Landover offers the strongest earning potential, making it a solid choice for students committed to dental support careers.

Where Fortis College-Landover Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Fortis College-Landover graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Fortis College-Landover$25,232$29,559+17%
Cabrillo College$74,741$69,093-8%
Lewis and Clark Community College$53,786$46,626-13%
Fortis Institute-Towson$24,564$27,591+12%
All-State Career-Baltimore$19,835$26,499+34%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fortis College-LandoverLandover$15,537$25,232$29,559$11,2500.45
Fortis Institute-TowsonTowson$24,564$27,591$13,1670.54
All-State Career-BaltimoreBaltimore$19,835$26,499$13,1400.66
National Median$25,255$9,5000.38

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 Fortis College-Landover, approximately 73% 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.