Dental Assisting at Fortis Institute-Pensacola

Pensacola, FL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 657 students in Pensacola, FL.

Program Analysis

At $22,821 per year, Dental Assisting graduates from Fortis Institute-Pensacola earn below the $36,429 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 18.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

The median debt load of $11,316 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #493 out of 513 programs, Fortis Institute-Pensacola's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $22,821 to $27,300 over five years (20% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Dental Assisting connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

38 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
34
Low End
38
Score
38
High End
Earnings $22,821/yr (-37% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$282K
4.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
19.1x
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
$14,767
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,316
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,300
20% growth from Year 1

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

Dental Assisting opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fortis Institute-Pensacola

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 Fortis Institute-Pensacola's Dental Assisting program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Dental Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at Fortis Institute-Pensacola?
Lower starting pay at Fortis Institute-Pensacola may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Fortis Institute-Pensacola?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing Fortis Institute-Pensacola's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Fortis Institute-Pensacola find jobs?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Fortis Institute-Pensacola graduates specifically, local market conditions in FL may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →