Analysis
Texas Woman's University graduates enter dental support professions earning about $4,500 less than the Texas median—landing them at the 40th percentile among the state's six programs. That gap persists even after four years, when earnings reach $62,400, still trailing both state and national averages. While the program serves a substantial population (40% receive Pell grants) with manageable debt of $24,601, graduates make roughly 15% less than peers at UT Health San Antonio or Texas A&M's programs.
The math isn't terrible: with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, graduates carry less than half their starting salary in loans, meaning debt should remain manageable. Earnings do climb 12% by year four, suggesting steady career progression in the dental field. However, that growth still leaves graduates behind their peers who started at higher-paying programs.
For Texas families, this becomes a calculation about access versus outcomes. TWU's 95% admission rate makes it an attainable option when competitive programs aren't, and the debt load won't be crushing. But if your child can get into UT Health San Antonio or Texas A&M's dental programs, they'd start their careers earning an extra $8,000-$9,000 annually—a meaningful difference that compounds over time. This works as a backup option or for students prioritizing proximity to Denton, but it's not the strongest choice for maximizing earning potential in Texas dental support careers.
Where Texas Woman's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Woman's University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Woman's University | $55,694 | $62,400 | +12% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $64,394 | $65,587 | +2% |
| Midwestern State University | $60,153 | $62,057 | +3% |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | $64,535 | $60,649 | -6% |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | $59,360 | $57,950 | -2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | $8,648 | $55,694 | $62,400 | $24,601 | 0.44 |
 The University of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan Antonio | — | $64,535 | $60,649 | $23,296 | 0.36 |
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $64,394 | $65,587 | $21,000 | 0.33 |
 Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls | $10,310 | $60,153 | $62,057 | $19,500 | 0.32 |
 The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHouston | — | $59,360 | $57,950 | $23,475 | 0.40 |
| National Median | — | $60,170 | — | $25,000 | 0.42 |
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 Texas Woman's University, approximately 40% 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 54 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.