Median Earnings (1yr)
$56,883
58th percentile
60th percentile in Massachusetts
Median Debt
$11,372
41% below national median

Analysis

Springfield Technical's dental support program offers a straightforward value proposition: above-average earnings with significantly lower debt than typical graduates face. Students here borrow roughly half what peers at other Massachusetts schools do—just $11,372 versus the state median of $22,935—while earning within $3,000 of what graduates from pricier programs make after four years. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 means graduates can realistically pay off loans within months rather than years.

Among Massachusetts dental support programs, this ranks solidly in the middle tier for earnings (60th percentile), with Mount Wachusett and Quinsigamond leading at $68K-$66K after four years. What distinguishes Springfield Tech is the financial accessibility: nearly half the students receive Pell grants, and they're not being saddled with crushing debt to enter a stable healthcare field. The 16% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates gain leverage as they build experience, reaching $65,929 by their fourth year out.

For parents weighing community college options in Massachusetts, this program delivers on the core promise: reliable entry into healthcare work without the financial stress that can derail young careers. You're trading some earning potential compared to top programs for substantially less risk, which matters enormously when your child is starting out in the workforce.

Where Springfield Technical Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Springfield Technical Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Springfield Technical Community College$56,883$65,929+16%
Mount Wachusett Community College$68,670$59,033-14%
Quinsigamond Community College$66,252$56,571-15%
Middlesex Community College$55,428$54,647-1%
Cape Cod Community College$54,903$51,792-6%

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Springfield Technical Community CollegeSpringfield$5,520$56,883$65,929$11,3720.20
Mount Wachusett Community CollegeGardner$6,000$68,670$59,033
Quinsigamond Community CollegeWorcester$5,974$66,252$56,571$24,0000.36
Middlesex Community CollegeBedford$6,048$55,428$54,647$16,1000.29
Cape Cod Community CollegeWest Barnstable$5,712$54,903$51,792$26,3760.48
Bristol Community CollegeFall River$5,412$48,308$47,772
National Median$55,016$19,3090.35

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 Springfield Technical Community College, approximately 47% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.