Est. Earnings (1yr)
$57,278
Est. from FL median (12 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$14,875
Est. from FL median (5 programs)

Analysis

Dental support programs in Florida cluster around $57,000 in first-year earnings, and that's where State College of Florida appears to track based on comparable programs statewide. With estimated debt of roughly $15,000—well below the national median of $19,309 for this field—the math works in your favor. A debt load about a quarter of first-year income is manageable, particularly in a healthcare field with consistent demand.

The reality check here is uncertainty. Because this program's actual outcomes aren't reported due to small graduate cohorts, we're relying on what similar Florida dental support programs produce. Those peer programs span a notable range: top performers like Palm Beach State and Daytona State report earnings above $63,000, while others land closer to $59,000. State College of Florida could fall anywhere in that spectrum, and without its own track record to examine, you're placing some faith in its ability to match what other community colleges in the state achieve.

For a two-year healthcare credential with relatively modest borrowing, the fundamentals look sound—dental hygienists and assistants aren't going anywhere as career options. But if you're comparing offers, prioritize schools with reported outcomes. Those numbers tell you what that specific program actually delivers, not just what's typical across Florida. The estimated figures here suggest a viable investment, just one with less certainty baked in.

Where State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota 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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
State College of Florida-Manatee-SarasotaBradenton$3,074$57,278*$14,875*
Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth$3,050$63,723**
Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach$3,106$63,591*$56,862*
Hillsborough Community CollegeTampa$2,506$62,731**
St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg$2,682$62,093*$26,556*0.43
Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville$2,878$59,330*$49,513*
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 State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota, approximately 36% 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.