Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Oregon Institute of Technology

Oregon Tech's dental support program delivers strong first-year earnings at $66,691—well above the national median of $60,170 and landing in the 79th percentile nationally. However, the 40th percentile ranking within Oregon reveals a crucial caveat: Pacific University's similar program produces graduates earning $76,000, and the state median sits at $71,376. For an in-state student comparing options, this program trails its Oregon peer by roughly $10,000 annually.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $25,880, yielding a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates can realistically handle their loans. The real concern is the slight earnings decline to $65,298 by year four, which is unusual in healthcare-adjacent fields where experience typically commands higher pay. This could signal limited advancement opportunities in the specific roles this program prepares students for, or perhaps geographic constraints in Klamath Falls affecting career progression.

For Oregon families, this becomes a choice between accessibility and earning potential. Oregon Tech's 92% admission rate and lower debt make it the more accessible option, but Pacific University's significantly higher earnings might justify exploring financial aid packages there first. If your student is already admitted to Pacific, the earnings gap likely outweighs any modest debt difference. If Oregon Tech is the only viable option, the program still delivers above-average national outcomes with manageable debt—just not the top earnings available in-state.