Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Lanier Technical College
Associate's Degree
laniertech.eduAnalysis
Georgia's dental support programs cluster tightly around $53,000 in first-year earnings, and Lanier Technical College appears positioned right in that middle range based on outcomes from similar two-year programs across the state. At an estimated $15,100 in debt—notably lower than the $19,309 national median—the 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could manage payments relatively comfortably while establishing their careers. Dental hygienists and assistants typically enter stable employment quickly, which matters when you're facing monthly loan bills.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With earnings estimates drawn from just six Georgia programs and debt figures from four similar schools, there's meaningful variation hiding in those numbers. Other technical colleges in Georgia producing dental support graduates show a spread from $48,000 to $54,000, and individual outcomes depend heavily on whether graduates pursue dental hygiene (higher paying) versus dental assisting (lower paying), plus local job market conditions in North Georgia. The modest debt load provides some cushion if earnings land toward the lower end, but parents should confirm which specific dental credential this program awards and research typical starting salaries for that role in the Gainesville area before committing.
Where Lanier Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,716 | $53,573* | — | $15,100* | — | |
| $8,478 | $56,474* | $54,036 | $15,100* | 0.27 | |
| $2,960 | $56,474* | $54,036 | $15,100* | 0.27 | |
| $3,072 | $54,090* | $51,183 | $7,250* | 0.13 | |
| $3,122 | $53,056* | $47,348 | —* | — | |
| $3,180 | $48,057* | $53,397 | $15,516* | 0.32 | |
| 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 Lanier Technical College, approximately 28% 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 6 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.