Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at UEI College-Bakersfield

The concerning reality here is that graduates are earning barely above minimum wage one year out—$17,746 translates to roughly $8.50 per hour—and even after four years, they're only reaching $22,595. While the 27% earnings growth looks promising on paper, you're still talking about poverty-level wages in California. This program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for dental support earnings, meaning 95% of similar programs across the country produce better outcomes. Even within California's competitive market, it falls in the bottom quarter, with the state median sitting at $24,628 and top programs like Cabrillo College producing graduates earning over $74,000.

The $9,500 debt load is relatively modest and matches both national and state medians for this credential. However, when your graduate is earning under $18,000 that first year, even manageable debt becomes a burden. The program primarily serves low-income students (78% receive Pell grants), which makes these weak earnings outcomes particularly troubling—these families can least afford a credential that doesn't deliver on its employment promise.

Your child would likely be better served by exploring California's community college options in this field, many of which produce significantly stronger earnings with similar or lower debt. This particular program's outcomes suggest either weak employer connections in the Bakersfield area or curriculum issues that leave graduates underprepared for better-paying positions.