Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Glendale Career College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Glendale Career College's dental support program falls short of what comparable California schools deliver. At $22,013 one year out, graduates earn about $2,600 less than the state median and rank in just the 40th percentile statewide—meaning six out of ten similar programs in California produce better outcomes. The gap with top performers is stark: Cabrillo College graduates earn more than triple at $74,741, while several other California programs consistently deliver earnings above $31,000.
The debt load of $9,500 is manageable and matches both state and national medians, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43—graduates owe roughly five months' salary. That's not crushing, but it assumes these early earnings hold steady. For a certificate program serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (55%), the question becomes whether half a year's salary in debt is worth it when nearby programs deliver significantly stronger returns for similar or lower investment.
The practical concern here is career trajectory. Dental support roles can lead to stable employment, but starting at $22,000 in California requires either rapid wage growth or supplemental income to build financial security. Before committing, compare this program directly to community colleges and other dental assistant programs in the area—the data suggests better options exist within driving distance.
Where Glendale Career College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Glendale Career College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Glendale Career College graduates earn $22k, placing them in the 21th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (96 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glendale Career College | $22,013 | — | $9,500 | 0.43 |
| Cabrillo College | $74,741 | $69,093 | — | — |
| Cerritos College | $34,175 | — | — | — |
| Unitek College | $31,425 | — | $9,039 | 0.29 |
| Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD | $31,425 | $30,730 | — | — |
| North-West College-Van Nuys | $31,215 | — | $8,782 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $25,255 | — | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabrillo College Aptos | $1,270 | $74,741 | — |
| Cerritos College Norwalk | $1,364 | $34,175 | — |
| Unitek College Fremont | — | $31,425 | $9,039 |
| Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD Concord | — | $31,425 | — |
| North-West College-Van Nuys Van Nuys | — | $31,215 | $8,782 |
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 Glendale Career College, approximately 55% 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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.