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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,416 | $70,541* | — | $17,080* | — | |
| $1,150 | $85,175* | $87,048 | —* | — | |
| — | $73,660* | $58,500 | $26,125* | 0.35 | |
| — | $72,160* | $58,230 | $29,176* | 0.40 | |
| — | $70,807* | $56,906 | $26,125* | 0.37 | |
| — | $70,541* | $63,413 | $32,350* | 0.46 | |
| 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 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.