Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Associate's Degree
reynolds.eduAnalysis
Similar dental support programs in Virginia typically produce first-year earnings around $58,000, which would put this field among the stronger two-year healthcare options. The estimated $17,000 debt load suggests a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with roughly three months of gross income. That's solid positioning compared to many associate degree programs.
However, the wide spread among Virginia's dental programs is worth noting. Northern Virginia Community College's graduates earn substantially more ($71,000), likely reflecting both program quality differences and the higher cost of living—and wages—in Northern Virginia. Reynolds serves the Richmond metro area, where dental office wages fall somewhere in the middle. The real outlier is ECPI University at $28,500, demonstrating how program selection matters tremendously in this field.
For anxious parents, the practical question is whether your child can secure employment in a dental practice that pays competitive wages. The estimated figures here suggest this program could work financially if it delivers solid clinical training and job placement support. With 30% of students receiving Pell grants, Reynolds serves a price-conscious population—and the relatively low debt burden reflects that affordability mission. Before committing, verify the program's actual job placement rates and talk to recent graduates about their starting salaries in the Richmond market.
Where J Sargeant Reynolds Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,136 | $58,481* | — | $17,080* | — | |
| $5,703 | $70,727* | $75,837 | $20,894* | 0.30 | |
| $5,256 | $61,030* | $58,443 | $11,500* | 0.19 | |
| $4,863 | $55,931* | $53,071 | —* | — | |
| $18,484 | $28,544* | $30,744 | $16,000* | 0.56 | |
| National Median | — | $55,016* | — | $19,309* | 0.35 |
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 J Sargeant Reynolds 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.
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 4 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.