Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Fortis College-Norfolk

Fortis College-Norfolk graduates two-thirds of its dental support students owing roughly $11,000—slightly above state and national averages—for a program that delivers below-average starting salaries. At $22,928 in year one, earnings trail the Virginia median by about $1,600 and land in just the 26th percentile nationally. Within Virginia's 15 programs, this ranks near the middle (40th percentile), but notably behind Danville Community College graduates who earn $28,405. The debt burden itself is manageable at half a year's starting salary, which is better than many certificate programs, though the concern is what that debt finances.

The 14% earnings growth to $26,013 by year four offers some reassurance that graduates aren't stuck at entry-level wages, and the program does serve a predominantly Pell-eligible student population (66%) who may have limited alternatives. Still, for families comparing options within Virginia, the numbers suggest looking closely at community college alternatives that deliver similar credentials with lower debt and better starting outcomes. Danville Community College's graduates, for instance, earn $5,500 more right out of the gate—a meaningful difference when you're starting in the low-$20,000 range.

If your child is set on dental support work and Fortis College-Norfolk is the most accessible option geographically, the debt load won't be crushing. But if community colleges are within reach, the data suggests they're likely the smarter financial choice for this career path in Virginia.