Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Vermont State University
Associate's Degree
vermontstate.eduAnalysis
Vermont's dental support program shows promising income progression, with earnings climbing from an estimated $55,000 in the first year to $67,000 by year four—a trajectory that outpaces many allied health credentials. The estimated debt load of $17,000 sits below the national median for similar programs, creating a relatively manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates would owe roughly four months' salary, which is reasonable by healthcare training standards.
The bigger challenge here is the limited visibility. Both the earnings and debt figures are drawn from national peer programs rather than Vermont State's actual outcomes, so it's difficult to assess how this specific program performs. The state has only one dental support program, meaning there's no local competition to benchmark against. The earnings jump between years one and four could reflect credential advancement or geographic mobility, but without more granular data, parents should verify whether graduates are finding opportunities in Vermont's relatively small healthcare market.
If your student is certain about dental hygiene or assisting, the projected debt burden won't be crushing, and the field typically offers stable demand. However, contact the program directly to understand their placement rates and whether graduates stay in-state or relocate for better opportunities—details that matter considerably when you're working from national averages rather than school-specific outcomes.
Where Vermont State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont State University | — | $67,244 | — |
| Chabot College | $85,175 | $87,048 | +2% |
| Shoreline Community College | $78,372 | $76,105 | -3% |
| Northern Virginia Community College | $70,727 | $75,837 | +7% |
| Fortis Institute-Wayne | $70,276 | $74,566 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,400 | $55,016* | $67,244 | $17,080* | — | |
| $1,150 | $85,175* | $87,048 | —* | — | |
| $4,388 | $78,372* | $76,105 | $27,250* | 0.35 | |
| $4,902 | $76,712* | $62,109 | $29,472* | 0.38 | |
| — | $73,660* | $58,500 | $26,125* | 0.35 | |
| — | $72,160* | $58,230 | $29,176* | 0.40 | |
| National Median | — | $55,016* | — | $19,309* | 0.35 |
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 Vermont State University, approximately 31% 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 national median of 196 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.