Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at North-West College-Van Nuys
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
North-West College's dental support program dramatically outperforms both state and national peers, placing in the 80th percentile among California programs and 91st percentile nationally—impressive positioning in a state with 96 competing programs. With first-year earnings of $31,215 versus California's median of $24,628, graduates here earn about $550 more per month right out of the gate. The debt load of $8,782 translates to a 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their annual salary—manageable by any measure. Over half the student body receives Pell grants, yet these outcomes suggest the program successfully launches lower-income students into stable dental office careers.
The catch: this data comes from fewer than 30 recent graduates, so individual circumstances heavily influence these numbers. Still, the pattern is clear—this program consistently delivers stronger earnings than most California alternatives. While you won't reach the $74,000+ that Cabrillo College grads achieve (likely reflecting higher-level dental hygiene credentials), North-West's outcomes land squarely among the state's better-performing dental support programs.
For parents considering this certificate, the math works: modest debt, quick completion, and earnings that exceed three-quarters of similar programs statewide. Just verify the program trains for the specific dental role your child wants, since "dental support" can mean anything from front-office work to dental assisting.
Where North-West College-Van Nuys Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How North-West College-Van Nuys graduates compare to all programs nationally
North-West College-Van Nuys graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 91th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (96 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North-West College-Van Nuys | $31,215 | — | $8,782 | 0.28 |
| Cabrillo College | $74,741 | $69,093 | — | — |
| Cerritos College | $34,175 | — | — | — |
| Unitek College | $31,425 | — | $9,039 | 0.29 |
| Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD | $31,425 | $30,730 | — | — |
| Concorde Career College-San Diego | $29,687 | $28,430 | $9,500 | 0.32 |
| National Median | $25,255 | — | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabrillo College Aptos | $1,270 | $74,741 | — |
| Cerritos College Norwalk | $1,364 | $34,175 | — |
| Unitek College Fremont | — | $31,425 | $9,039 |
| Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD Concord | — | $31,425 | — |
| Concorde Career College-San Diego San Diego | — | $29,687 | $9,500 |
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-West College-Van Nuys, approximately 53% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 21 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.