Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at South Florida State College
Associate's Degree
southflorida.eduAnalysis
In Florida's dental support field, programs at community colleges typically launch graduates into solid middle-class careers, with the state median sitting at $57,278—already above the national benchmark. South Florida State College's estimated outcomes align with this state average, though top performers like Palm Beach State and Daytona State place their graduates $5,000-6,000 higher in first-year earnings.
The estimated debt load of roughly $15,000 creates a manageable 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about three months' salary. This is notably lower than the national median debt of $19,309 for similar programs, suggesting Florida's community college systems keep costs in check even as they deliver comparable or better career outcomes. For families worried about education debt—particularly relevant given that 44% of students here receive Pell grants—this represents a reasonable financial commitment for entry into a stable healthcare field.
The catch is that these figures come from peer programs across Florida, not tracked graduates from this specific school. The range among Florida's top programs is significant enough that where South Florida State actually falls on that spectrum matters considerably. If their outcomes mirror the stronger programs, this is excellent value; if they trail below the state median, the financial picture becomes tighter. Before committing, verify the program's clinical placement relationships and job placement track record with local dental practices.
Where South Florida State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (23 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,165 | $57,278* | — | $14,875* | — | |
| $3,050 | $63,723* | — | —* | — | |
| $3,106 | $63,591* | $56,862 | —* | — | |
| $2,506 | $62,731* | — | —* | — | |
| $2,682 | $62,093* | — | $26,556* | 0.43 | |
| $2,878 | $59,330* | $49,513 | —* | — | |
| 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 South Florida State College, approximately 44% 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 12 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.