Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,301
67th percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$8,509
10% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista$27,301$30,467+12%
Cabrillo College$74,741$69,093-8%
Carrington College-Sacramento$28,060$31,230+11%
Carrington College-San Leandro Campus$28,060$31,230+11%
Carrington College-San Jose$28,060$31,230+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Pima Medical Institute-Chula VistaChula Vista$27,301$30,467$8,5090.31
Cabrillo CollegeAptos$1,270$74,741$69,093
Cerritos CollegeNorwalk$1,364$34,175
Unitek CollegeFremont$31,425$9,0390.29
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USDConcord$31,425$30,730
North-West College-Van NuysVan Nuys$31,215$8,7820.28
National Median$25,255$9,5000.38

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 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.