Est. Earnings (1yr)
$70,541
Est. from CA median (9 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$17,080
Est. from national median (104 programs)

Analysis

California's dental support programs command strong salaries, with similar programs across the state producing median earnings around $70,500—well above the $55,000 national median for this field. An estimated $17,000 in debt puts this program below typical borrowing levels for dental support associates both statewide (around $26,000) and nationally (about $19,000), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24.

The catch is that both figures are estimates based on peer programs, not actual graduate outcomes from Oxnard College itself. We're relying on data from comparable dental support programs in California and nationwide to paint this picture. That said, California's dental support market appears consistently robust—even programs reporting actual data cluster in the $70,000-$85,000 range for first-year earnings. The state's higher cost of living drives up dental office wages, which works in graduates' favor.

For an anxious parent, the fundamental question is whether Oxnard's specific program matches its California peers in job placement and employer connections. With 35% of students receiving Pell grants, the college serves many families weighing costs carefully. The projected numbers suggest solid value if the program delivers outcomes comparable to other California dental support programs, but verify placement rates and clinical training partnerships before committing—those details matter more here than the estimated figures can tell you.

Where Oxnard College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in California (45 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Oxnard CollegeOxnard$1,416$70,541*—$17,080*—
Chabot CollegeHayward$1,150$85,175*$87,048—*—
Concorde Career College-San BernardinoSan Bernardino—$73,660*$58,500$26,125*0.35
Concorde Career College-Garden GroveGarden Grove—$72,160*$58,230$29,176*0.40
Concorde Career College-San DiegoSan Diego—$70,807*$56,906$26,125*0.37
Carrington College-SacramentoSacramento—$70,541*$63,413$32,350*0.46
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 Oxnard College, approximately 35% 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 9 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.