Est. Earnings (1yr)
$60,163
Est. from MO median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$17,080
Est. from national median (104 programs)

Analysis

Missouri's dental support programs show considerable variation in outcomes, and North Central Missouri College's estimated figures suggest a solid middle-ground option. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates can expect first-year earnings around $60,163—slightly above the national median of $55,016 and matching the state average. The estimated debt of $17,080 is notably lower than Missouri's median of $25,374 for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 that would be manageable for most graduates.

What makes these estimates particularly relevant is that they're drawn from only four Missouri programs with reported data, and North Central's projected outcomes align closely with established programs like Saint Louis Community College ($60,906) and Missouri Southern State University ($59,420). The real outlier in the state is Ozarks Technical Community College at $36,855, which suggests program quality and local job market access matter significantly in this field. With one-third of North Central students receiving Pell grants, the relatively modest debt load could make this a practical pathway for students from lower-income backgrounds.

For parents weighing this investment, the projected numbers suggest reasonable value—assuming the estimates hold true. The dental support field typically offers stable employment, and keeping debt below $20,000 while entering a career with $60,000 earning potential provides financial breathing room. Just remember these are projections based on peer programs, not guaranteed outcomes specific to North Central.

Where North Central Missouri College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
North Central Missouri CollegeTrenton$4,950$60,163*$17,080*
Concorde Career College-Kansas CityKansas City$64,381*$58,922$26,548*0.41
Saint Louis Community CollegeBridgeton$3,660$60,906*$51,249*
Missouri Southern State UniversityJoplin$8,400$59,420*$57,573$25,374*0.43
Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield$4,184$36,855*$41,542$11,000*0.30
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 North Central Missouri College, approximately 34% 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 MO. Actual outcomes may vary.