Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio around 0.45 signals manageable borrowing, but for Hodges University's dental support bachelor's program, those numbers rest entirely on estimates from peer institutions nationwide. With only two schools in Florida offering this degree, and actual data available from just St. Petersburg College showing first-year earnings near $59,300, you're flying somewhat blind on what Hodges specifically delivers. The estimated $27,000 debt sits slightly above the national median, while projected earnings align almost perfectly with national benchmarks—suggesting neither advantage nor disadvantage compared to similar programs elsewhere.
What complicates the picture is that bachelor's degrees in dental support remain uncommon nationally, with many roles in this field accessible through associate degrees or certificate programs. The question becomes whether the additional time and expense of a four-year credential translates to better career outcomes than shorter pathways. Comparable programs nationwide suggest earnings that should allow graduates to manage their debt reasonably, but without school-specific data, you can't gauge whether Hodges's particular curriculum, clinical connections, or regional employer relationships justify choosing this program over alternatives.
Given the uncertainty, insist on concrete placement data directly from the school: where recent graduates work, what positions they hold, and actual starting salaries. A bachelor's in dental support could make sense for certain specialized or management-track roles, but you need more than national averages to determine if this specific investment delivers.
Where Hodges University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,580 | $60,171* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $2,682 | $59,295* | $46,991 | $22,911* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $60,170* | — | $25,000* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with dental support services and allied professions graduates
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 Hodges University, approximately 25% 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 national median of 74 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.