Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Pikes Peak State College
Associate's Degree
pikespeak.eduAnalysis
Colorado's dental support programs cluster in a remarkably tight range, with similar programs suggesting first-year earnings around $66,000—well above the $55,000 national median for this field. The estimated $17,000 debt load would be manageable at that income level, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 that suggests graduates could realistically pay down their loans within a few years while establishing their careers.
The encouraging part is how Colorado's dental support market appears to reward associate degree holders compared to the national picture. Peer programs in the state consistently produce earnings in the $62,000-$77,000 range, indicating strong local demand for dental assistants and hygienists. With only six programs statewide, the market isn't oversaturated. The estimated debt here also sits notably below Colorado's $25,000 median for these programs, though parents should verify what aid packages actually look like.
The limitation is clear: without actual outcomes data from Pikes Peak graduates specifically, you're betting that their program performs like others in Colorado rather than having evidence it does. If the training quality and clinical placements match competitors like Community College of Denver, the economics work. Request specifics on job placement rates and employer partnerships before committing.
Where Pikes Peak State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,302 | $65,693* | — | $17,080* | — | |
| $4,902 | $76,712* | $62,109 | $29,472* | 0.38 | |
| — | $65,693* | $67,065 | $25,250* | 0.38 | |
| $4,454 | $62,148* | $55,603 | $16,784* | 0.27 | |
| 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 Pikes Peak State College, approximately 31% 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 3 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.