Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,301
67th percentile
80th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$8,509
10% below national median

Analysis

This dental support program at Pima Medical Institute-Houston delivers strong value, particularly for Texas students. At $27,301 in first-year earnings, graduates earn significantly more than the typical Texas graduate in this field ($21,721) and rank in the 80th percentile statewide. The program also outperforms the national median by about $2,000, placing it in the 67th percentile nationally among 664 schools offering similar programs.

The financial picture is compelling with relatively low debt of $8,509—well below both state and national medians. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.31, meaning graduates owe roughly three months' salary, which is very manageable for a certificate program. The 12% earnings growth from year one to year four also suggests decent career progression potential in the field.

With a robust sample size of 100+ graduates, these numbers are reliable. The program ties for third-best earnings among Texas schools in this field, trailing only The College of Health Care Professions locations by about $1,700. For families seeking an affordable entry point into healthcare support careers, this program offers above-average earning potential with below-average debt—a combination that makes financial sense for most students.

Where Pima Medical Institute-Houston Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Pima Medical Institute-Houston 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-Houston$27,301$30,467+12%
Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio$27,301$30,467+12%
Pima Medical Institute-El Paso$27,301$30,467+12%
Concorde Career College-Dallas$26,058$30,423+17%
Concorde Career College-San Antonio$23,712$29,466+24%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (41 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Pima Medical Institute-HoustonHouston$27,301$30,467$8,5090.31
The College of Health Care Professions-DallasDallas$29,060$20,985$9,0850.31
The College of Health Care Professions-AustinAustin$29,060$20,985$9,0850.31
Pima Medical Institute-San AntonioSan Antonio$27,301$30,467$8,5090.31
Pima Medical Institute-El PasoEl Paso$27,301$30,467$8,5090.31
Concorde Career College-DallasDallas$26,058$30,423$9,5000.36
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-Houston, approximately 50% 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.