Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,301
67th percentile (60th in CA)
Median Debt
$8,509
10% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.31
Manageable
Sample Size
876
Adequate data

Analysis

Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista delivers solid value in dental support services training, outperforming both national and California benchmarks while keeping debt manageable. With first-year earnings of $27,301 versus the national median of $25,255 and California's $24,628, graduates earn roughly $2,600-$2,700 more annually than typical program completers. The debt load of $8,509 is also below average, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31—meaning graduates owe less than four months of their first-year salary.

However, this program operates in a field with significant earning potential variation. While Pima ranks respectably at the 60th percentile among California programs, top performers like Cabrillo College produce graduates earning nearly three times more ($74,741). The 12% earnings growth to $30,467 by year four suggests steady but modest career progression rather than dramatic income increases.

For families seeking affordable healthcare career training, this program offers a reasonable path with manageable debt and above-average starting salaries. The robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes. Just understand you're investing in stable, entry-level healthcare employment rather than high-earning potential—which may be exactly what your family needs for reliable career prospects without crushing debt.

Where Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista Stands

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

Pima Medical Institute-Chula VistaOther dental support services and allied professions programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista graduates compare to all programs nationally

Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 67th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (96 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista$27,301$30,467$8,5090.31
Cabrillo College$74,741$69,093
Cerritos College$34,175
Unitek College$31,425$9,0390.29
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD$31,425$30,730
North-West College-Van Nuys$31,215$8,7820.28
National Median$25,255$9,5000.38

Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Cabrillo College
Aptos
$1,270$74,741
Cerritos College
Norwalk
$1,364$34,175
Unitek College
Fremont
$31,425$9,039
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD
Concord
$31,425
North-West College-Van Nuys
Van Nuys
$31,215$8,782

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 Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista, approximately 55% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 876 graduates with reported earnings and 947 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.