Dental Assisting at Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College Dental Assisting graduates command $78,372/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,429 national median. That 115% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 93.7x 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 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,000 in median debt clears fast against $78,372 in annual earnings.

Ranked #18 out of 513 programs, Shoreline Community College's Dental Assisting program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $78,372 to $81,922 over five years (5% 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.