Est. Earnings (1yr)
$53,573
Est. from GA median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$15,100
Est. from GA median (4 programs)

Analysis

Southeastern Technical College's dental support program appears positioned in the middle of Georgia's market, where similar programs suggest first-year earnings around $53,600—roughly on par with the state median and just below the $55,000 national benchmark. For parents considering this two-year path, the estimated $15,100 debt load is notably lighter than the national median of $19,300, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that looks manageable at about 28% of first year income.

The real question is whether this represents Southeastern's actual outcomes or just reflects what's typical statewide. Comparable Georgia technical colleges with reported data show a tight earnings band—most graduates land between $48,000 and $56,500—suggesting the dental support field offers fairly consistent starting points regardless of which school you attend. The main outlier is Central Georgia Technical College at $48,000, while top performers like Georgia State's campuses reach the mid-$50,000s.

What matters most here is the career stability dental support roles typically provide. These positions—dental hygienists, assistants, and office coordinators—offer steady demand in healthcare settings. If the actual outcomes match what peer programs deliver, you're looking at a program where students can comfortably handle their debt within a year or two of full-time work. Just recognize you're making this decision with estimated figures rather than this specific school's track record.

Where Southeastern Technical College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Southeastern Technical CollegeVidalia$3,172$53,573*—$15,100*—
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta$8,478$56,474*$54,036$15,100*0.27
Georgia State University-Perimeter CollegeAtlanta$2,960$56,474*$54,036$15,100*0.27
Savannah Technical CollegeSavannah$3,072$54,090*$51,183$7,250*0.13
West Georgia Technical CollegeWaco$3,122$53,056*$47,348—*—
Central Georgia Technical CollegeWarner Robins$3,180$48,057*$53,397$15,516*0.32
National Median—$55,016*—$19,309*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Southeastern Technical College, approximately 39% 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 6 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.