Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
pmi.eduAnalysis
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
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.