Analysis
Utah's dental support programs produce notably lower earnings than the national norm, with graduates from comparable programs in the state earning around $39,676—nearly $15,000 below the national median for this field. That's a significant gap, and it means starting salaries here trail those in most other states. Whether this reflects regional pay scales, program quality differences, or market saturation in Utah isn't clear from the data, but it's a reality to factor into your calculations.
The estimated debt load of $26,779 compounds this concern. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 falls within manageable territory, you'd be borrowing more than the national median for this credential ($19,309) to enter a market that pays considerably less. Fortis College-Salt Lake City graduates do earn substantially more according to reported data, suggesting program choice within Utah matters significantly. The fact that 57% of Provo College students receive Pell grants also signals that many families here are stretching financially to afford this program.
Before committing, investigate why Utah's dental support earnings lag so dramatically behind the national picture. If your child plans to stay in Utah after graduation, this appears to be the market reality regardless of where they train. If relocation is an option, this degree might offer better returns elsewhere—but you'd still be carrying above-average debt into that move.
Where Provo College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Utah (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,491 | $39,676* | — | $26,779* | — | |
| $13,112 | $48,870* | $28,245 | $44,222* | 0.90 | |
| $4,257 | $39,676* | — | $9,357* | 0.24 | |
| $6,391 | $38,199* | $31,255 | $22,624* | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $55,016* | — | $19,309* | 0.35 |
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 Provo College, approximately 57% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in UT. Actual outcomes may vary.