Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Springfield Technical Community College
Associate's Degree
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
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 Springfield Technical Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Springfield Technical Community College graduates earn $57k, placing them in the 58th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield Technical Community College | $56,883 | $65,929 | $11,372 | 0.20 |
| Mount Wachusett Community College | $68,670 | $59,033 | — | — |
| Quinsigamond Community College | $66,252 | $56,571 | $24,000 | 0.36 |
| Middlesex Community College | $55,428 | $54,647 | $16,100 | 0.29 |
| Cape Cod Community College | $54,903 | $51,792 | $26,376 | 0.48 |
| Bristol Community College | $48,308 | $47,772 | — | — |
| National Median | $55,016 | — | $19,309 | 0.35 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Wachusett Community College Gardner | $6,000 | $68,670 | — |
| Quinsigamond Community College Worcester | $5,974 | $66,252 | $24,000 |
| Middlesex Community College Bedford | $6,048 | $55,428 | $16,100 |
| Cape Cod Community College West Barnstable | $5,712 | $54,903 | $26,376 |
| Bristol Community College Fall River | $5,412 | $48,308 | — |
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.