Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Hagerstown Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Hagerstown Community College's dental support program generates first-year earnings above 70% of similar programs nationwide, while keeping debt roughly $3,000 below the national average. That's a strong value combination: graduates earn $60,419 annually while carrying just $16,000 in debt—a manageable 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio that means monthly payments should consume less than 3% of gross income. Within Maryland, this program hits the state median for earnings but significantly undercuts the typical $25,125 in debt, making it one of the more affordable pathways to this career in-state.
The real competition comes from Community College of Baltimore County, which edges slightly higher at $62,255, and Fortis College-Landover at $70,276. However, both alternatives likely come with different cost structures worth investigating. Meanwhile, Allegany College and Fortis Institute-Towson both produce substantially lower earnings despite similar training, suggesting location and clinical placement networks matter considerably in this field.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift with future cohorts, but the fundamentals look solid: low debt, above-average earnings, and a career field with steady demand. For families concerned about educational ROI, this represents a practical entry point into allied health professions without the debt burden that often accompanies healthcare training.
Where Hagerstown Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates'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 Hagerstown Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Hagerstown Community College graduates earn $60k, placing them in the 73th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown Community College | $60,419 | — | $16,000 | 0.26 |
| Fortis College-Landover | $70,276 | $74,566 | $32,500 | 0.46 |
| Community College of Baltimore County | $62,255 | $58,435 | — | — |
| Allegany College of Maryland | $51,136 | $54,353 | — | — |
| Fortis Institute-Towson | $33,080 | $29,195 | $25,125 | 0.76 |
| National Median | $55,016 | — | $19,309 | 0.35 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in Maryland
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maryland schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortis College-Landover Landover | $15,537 | $70,276 | $32,500 |
| Community College of Baltimore County Baltimore | $4,380 | $62,255 | — |
| Allegany College of Maryland Cumberland | $4,730 | $51,136 | — |
| Fortis Institute-Towson Towson | — | $33,080 | $25,125 |
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 Hagerstown Community College, approximately 30% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.