Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Pacific University

Pacific University graduates enter the dental field earning $76,000—significantly above the national median of $60,000 for this degree, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally. That's impressive reach, though it's worth noting that Oregon's other dental support program actually has higher state median earnings at $71,000, putting Pacific at the 60th percentile within the state.

The concerning part is what happens next: earnings flatline at $75,779 four years out, showing zero growth during a period when most graduates are establishing themselves professionally. For a debt load of $28,375—slightly above both national and state medians—that's manageable but not ideal. You're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, meaning graduates owe roughly five months of their annual salary, which is reasonable by today's standards.

Pacific charges a premium for this program, and the first-year salary suggests that premium delivers value. But the stagnant earnings trajectory raises questions about long-term career progression. If your child is set on dental support roles in Oregon and values Pacific's smaller program environment, the strong starting salary provides a solid foundation. Just understand they're paying slightly more debt for earnings that plateau early, when Oregon Institute of Technology's program offers a similar financial outcome at potentially lower cost.