Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Wayne Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
waynecc.eduAnalysis
Wayne Community College's dental support program delivers first-year earnings of $35,336—substantially above both the national median ($25,255) and the typical North Carolina outcome ($32,163). That positions it second among NC community colleges offering this credential, trailing only Asheville-Buncombe Technical by about $1,500. For a program serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students (37%), these earnings represent meaningful economic mobility.
The estimated debt of $9,362—derived from comparable certificate programs nationally—suggests a manageable burden with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26. That translates to roughly three months of gross earnings, which most graduates could reasonably handle. Similar dental support programs in North Carolina typically carry higher debt loads (median $13,249), so even with the uncertainty around this specific estimate, the financial picture appears favorable compared to state peers.
The key question is location: Goldsboro sits in Wayne County, where dental support job opportunities may be more limited than in larger NC metro areas. If your child plans to stay local, verify that the strong earnings translate to actual job availability. If they're willing to relocate within the state, this program appears to deliver competitive preparation at a reasonable estimated cost, with earnings that should support prompt debt repayment.
Where Wayne Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wayne Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,524 | $35,336 | — | $9,362* | — | |
| $2,882 | $36,817 | — | —* | — | |
| $2,528 | $32,421 | $26,152 | —* | — | |
| $2,319 | $31,905 | $35,353 | $13,249* | 0.42 | |
| $2,792 | $31,360 | — | —* | — | |
| $2,554 | $29,311 | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $25,255 | — | $9,500* | 0.38 |
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 Wayne Community College, approximately 37% 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.