Est. Earnings (1yr)
$48,870
Est. from OH median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$18,005
Est. from OH median (10 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable dental support programs in Ohio, graduates can expect to earn around $48,870 in their first year—placing them at the median for the state but roughly $6,000 below the national benchmark. That gap matters: Ohio's dental support market appears to pay somewhat less than the broader national average, which could reflect regional cost of living differences or market saturation. The estimated $18,000 in debt produces a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first-year salary.

The challenge for parents evaluating Hocking College specifically is that we're working entirely with estimates drawn from peer programs across Ohio. Top performers in the state—like Fortis College-Centerville at $63,653 and UC-Main Campus at $57,217—demonstrate that significantly higher earnings are achievable in this field within Ohio. That suggests program quality, clinical connections, and job placement support can meaningfully move the needle. Without actual outcome data for Hocking's graduates, you're essentially betting on whether their program performs closer to the state median or to these stronger alternatives.

The affordability picture looks reasonable on paper, but the real question is whether this particular program delivers the clinical training and employer connections that translate median estimates into actual job offers. Before committing, contact Hocking directly for their job placement rates and where recent graduates are working—those specifics matter more than statewide averages.

Where Hocking College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (17 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Hocking CollegeNelsonville$5,300$48,870*—$18,005*—
Fortis College-CentervilleCenterville$14,023$63,653*$55,827$44,682*0.70
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$57,217*$50,470$19,309*0.34
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash CollegeBlue Ash$6,992$57,217*$50,470$19,309*0.34
James A. Rhodes State CollegeLima$4,657$54,584*$47,366$18,010*0.33
Sinclair Community CollegeDayton$3,435$53,091*$53,607$19,346*0.36
National Median—$55,016*—$19,309*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Hocking College, approximately 46% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.