Analysis
University of New England's dental support program graduates earn nearly $60,000 straight out of college with manageable debt of $27,000—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 that beats three-quarters of similar programs nationwide. However, earnings essentially flatline after graduation, inching up just $400 over four years. For Maine students, this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, though there are only two schools offering this degree in the state, limiting meaningful comparison.
The lack of earnings growth is the program's main weakness. Most graduates will earn roughly the same in their late twenties as they did at 22, which means limited advancement potential in this field. That said, starting near $60,000 with relatively low debt creates financial breathing room early on—you're not spending years digging out of a debt hole before building wealth.
For a student committed to dental support work in Maine, UNE offers solid preparation with below-average debt burden. Just understand that this is likely a career with a defined earnings ceiling rather than a trajectory of steady growth. The economics work if your child values stable work-life balance over income progression, but ambitious earners should look elsewhere.
Where University of New England Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of New England 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New England | $59,851 | $60,240 | +1% |
| University of Southern California | $69,479 | $77,360 | +11% |
| Pacific University | $76,060 | $75,779 | -0% |
| West Coast University-Los Angeles | $73,751 | $70,617 | -4% |
| West Coast University-Orange County | $73,751 | $70,617 | -4% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of New EnglandBiddeford | $42,550 | $59,851 | $60,240 | $27,000 | 0.45 |
 Foothill CollegeLos Altos Hills | $1,565 | $81,255 | — | $17,285 | 0.21 |
 Lake Washington Institute of TechnologyKirkland | $5,156 | $77,431 | — | $23,750 | 0.31 |
 Pacific UniversityForest Grove | $54,466 | $76,060 | $75,779 | $28,375 | 0.37 |
 University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City | — | $75,367 | $65,925 | $20,990 | 0.28 |
 University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman | $9,595 | $75,367 | $65,925 | $20,990 | 0.28 |
| 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 University of New England, approximately 12% 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 66 graduates with reported earnings and 73 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.