Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,301
67th percentile (80th in TX)
Median Debt
$8,509
10% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.31
Manageable
Sample Size
876
Adequate data

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

Pima Medical Institute-HoustonOther dental support services and allied professions programs

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-Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally

Pima Medical Institute-Houston 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Pima Medical Institute-Houston$27,301$30,467$8,5090.31
The College of Health Care Professions-Austin$29,060$20,985$9,0850.31
The College of Health Care Professions-Dallas$29,060$20,985$9,0850.31
Pima Medical Institute-El Paso$27,301$30,467$8,5090.31
Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio$27,301$30,467$8,5090.31
Concorde Career College-Dallas$26,058$30,423$9,5000.36
National Median$25,255$9,5000.38

Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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-El Paso
El Paso
$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-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.