Dental Assisting at Howard College

Big Spring, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 1,588 in Big Spring, TX.

Program Analysis

At $54,428 per year, Dental Assisting graduates from Howard College significantly outpace the $36,429 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 102.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At #36 of 513 programs, this Dental Assisting program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Assisting careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
71
Score
71
High End
Earnings $54,428/yr (49% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$569K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
102.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,532
Out-of-state: $12,152

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Dental Assisting graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Dental hygienists $94,260 +7.0% 81%
Dental laboratory technicians $48,310 -4.7% 96%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Dental hygienists
$94,260
+7.0% growth 81% AI-proof
Dental laboratory technicians
$48,310
-4.7% growth 96% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Dental Assisting Career Guide

What can you do with a Dental Assisting credential from Howard College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Howard College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Howard College's Dental Assisting program score?
This program scores 71/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Dental Assisting nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting graduates?
Yes — 4 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Dental Assisting career paths, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Howard College.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Howard College find jobs?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Howard College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →