Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
pmi.eduBased on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $27,301 | $30,467 | $8,509 | 0.31 | |
| $1,270 | $74,741 | $69,093 | — | — | |
| $1,364 | $34,175 | — | — | — | |
| — | $31,425 | — | $9,039 | 0.29 | |
| — | $31,425 | $30,730 | — | — | |
| — | $31,215 | — | $8,782 | 0.28 | |
| National Median | — | $25,255 | — | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with dental support services and allied professions graduates
Explore Related Programs
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions in California
- Cabrillo College$74,741
- Cerritos College$34,175
- Unitek College$31,425
- Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD$31,425
- North-West College-Van Nuys$31,215
Explore further
- All Programs that prepare students to provide healthcare services, from direct patient care to diagnostics and therapy. Includes nursing, pharmacy, dental hygiene, physical therapy, public health, and dozens of clinical specialties. programs nationwide
- All programs at Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista
- College programs in California
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.