Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,696
77th percentile (60th in MO)
Median Debt
$9,544
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.33
Manageable
Sample Size
28
Limited data

Analysis

Pinnacle Career Institute's dental support program sits in an interesting middle tier among Missouri options—just above the state median but clearly behind the top earner by about $4,000 annually. With first-year earnings of $28,696 against manageable debt of $9,544, graduates face monthly loan payments around $100, which represents roughly 4% of gross monthly income—a comfortable burden by any standard.

The program serves a predominantly lower-income student body (69% Pell recipients) and delivers on accessibility without saddling them with excessive debt. While it ranks in the 77th percentile nationally, its 60th percentile standing within Missouri is more relevant for most students. State Technical College of Missouri does notably better for those willing to consider alternatives, but the debt-to-earnings ratio here is still solid at 0.33—meaning graduates earn about three times what they borrowed.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. For a family comfortable with this level of uncertainty and prioritizing quick workforce entry with minimal debt, it's a reasonable choice. Those seeking the highest earning potential in Missouri dental support should look at State Technical College first.

Where Pinnacle Career Institute Stands

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

Pinnacle Career InstituteOther 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 Pinnacle Career Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

Pinnacle Career Institute graduates earn $29k, placing them in the 77th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions certificate programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (9 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Pinnacle Career Institute$28,696—$9,5440.33
State Technical College of Missouri$32,797———
Midwest Institute$28,111$28,845$9,5000.34
Concorde Career College-Kansas City$23,712$29,466$9,5000.40
Midwest Technical Institute-Missouri$22,815$24,586$9,5000.42
National Median$25,255—$9,5000.38

Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in Missouri

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
State Technical College of Missouri
Linn
$7,830$32,797—
Midwest Institute
Earth City
—$28,111$9,500
Concorde Career College-Kansas City
Kansas City
—$23,712$9,500
Midwest Technical Institute-Missouri
Springfield
—$22,815$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 Pinnacle Career Institute, approximately 69% 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.