Dental Assisting at North-West College-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 315 in Pomona, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,018 place North-West College-Pomona below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $23,018 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #379 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places North-West College-Pomona in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $23,018 to $24,777 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $23,018/yr (-37% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$250K
1.9% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$24,777
8% 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

What can you do with a Dental Assisting credential from North-West College-Pomona? 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 North-West College-Pomona

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at North-West College-Pomona?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dental Assisting. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at North-West College-Pomona?
Starting salary is one data point. If North-West College-Pomona's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of North-West College-Pomona?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing North-West College-Pomona's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Dental Assisting from North-West College-Pomona?
The large job market (99,500 annual openings) works in favor of Dental Assisting graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →