Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Pima Medical Institute-El Paso
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This dental support services program at Pima Medical Institute-El Paso delivers solid value, particularly when compared to other Texas options. With first-year earnings of $27,301, graduates earn significantly more than the typical Texas graduate in this field ($21,721) and rank in the 80th percentile statewide. The program also performs well nationally, landing in the 67th percentile for earnings while maintaining relatively low debt at $8,509—about $1,000 less than the national average.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 is quite manageable, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their educational investment within a few years. The 12% earnings growth from year one to year four shows decent career progression potential. With over 100 graduates in the dataset, these numbers are reliable indicators of program performance.
The main concern is that starting salaries in dental support services are modest across the board—even top performers in Texas only reach around $29,000. However, for students seeking quick entry into healthcare with minimal debt, this program offers a practical pathway. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings for the field makes it a reasonable choice for students prioritizing employment stability over high earning potential.
Where Pima Medical Institute-El Paso Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions certificate's programs nationally
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-El Paso graduates compare to all programs nationally
Pima Medical Institute-El Paso 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 Texas
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (41 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Medical Institute-El Paso | $27,301 | $30,467 | $8,509 | 0.31 |
| The College of Health Care Professions-Austin | $29,060 | $20,985 | $9,085 | 0.31 |
| The College of Health Care Professions-Dallas | $29,060 | $20,985 | $9,085 | 0.31 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston | $27,301 | $30,467 | $8,509 | 0.31 |
| Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio | $27,301 | $30,467 | $8,509 | 0.31 |
| Concorde Career College-Dallas | $26,058 | $30,423 | $9,500 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $25,255 | — | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The College of Health Care Professions-Austin Austin | — | $29,060 | $9,085 |
| The College of Health Care Professions-Dallas Dallas | — | $29,060 | $9,085 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston Houston | — | $27,301 | $8,509 |
| Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio San Antonio | — | $27,301 | $8,509 |
| Concorde Career College-Dallas Dallas | — | $26,058 | $9,500 |
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-El Paso, approximately 63% 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.