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Fire Protection Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

American Public University System graduates earn $76,460 annually, nearly double the field average, making it the highest-paying fire protection program under $20,000. This online institution charges $9,104 net, positioning itself between community colleges that cost $6,329 and traditional universities reaching $14,251. The earnings gap reflects fire protection's varied career paths, from municipal firefighting to industrial safety management and federal positions. Fire departments nationwide face critical staffing shortages, with over 6,000 openings reported in 2023, creating strong job security for graduates. Public universities dominate this list with 12 of 15 schools, keeping costs manageable while maintaining accreditation standards required by fire service agencies. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from East Georgia State College's 13.8% to University of Florida's 91.5%, indicating significant differences in program structure and student support. Some programs emphasize hands-on training with local fire departments, while others focus on management and inspection roles that command higher starting salaries.
39
Programs
$3,046 – $19,733
Net Price Range
$54,967
Avg. Program Earnings
48.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

39 Fire Protection Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
2 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
4 $6,329 $4,110 17.9%
5 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
6 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
7 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
8 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
9 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
10 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
11 $9,380 $2,736 13.8%
12 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
13 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
14 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
15 $11,732 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
16 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
17 $12,267 $10,110 47.6%
18 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
19 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
20 $14,251 $5,934 22.8%
21 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
22 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
23 $14,514 $7,992 29.6%
24 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
25 $14,761 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
26 $14,975 $5,808 37.2%
27 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
28 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
29 $15,987 $10,671 36.6% 98.5%
30 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
31 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
32 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
33 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
34 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
35 $18,290 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
36 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
37 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
38 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
39 $19,733 $11,665 21.6% 57.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $45,689 difference between highest and lowest graduate earnings?

American Public University System graduates earn $76,460 compared to Western Illinois University's $30,771, reflecting different career focuses and geographic markets. APUS serves many active military and federal employees who leverage their training for specialized roles in government agencies or private contractors. Western Illinois graduates typically enter municipal fire departments where starting salaries align with local government pay scales. Geographic location also matters, as fire protection professionals in high-cost areas or specialized industries command premium wages.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in fire protection?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with University of Florida at $6,351 net cost achieving 91.5% graduation compared to College of Southern Nevada's $6,329 cost and 17.9% rate. However, College of the Ozarks breaks this pattern with a $7,669 net cost and 61.3% graduation rate despite its work-study model. The correlation suggests that well-funded programs provide better student support, though individual institutional factors like academic requirements and student demographics also influence outcomes.

Where do public universities offer the best value for fire protection training?

University of Florida leads with 91.5% graduation rates at $6,351 net cost, while Fayetteville State University offers strong earning potential at $69,338 annually for just $7,360 net. CUNY John Jay provides the lowest cost option at $3,046 net, though graduates earn $33,993 annually. California State University-Los Angeles balances moderate costs at $4,113 net with reasonable debt loads of $12,500, making it accessible for students seeking value without excessive borrowing.

Does private education justify higher costs in fire protection programs?

Only three private institutions make this affordable list, with mixed value propositions compared to public options. College of the Ozarks charges $7,669 net but requires work-study participation, while Brigham Young University-Idaho costs $7,131 with a 95.56% acceptance rate and 55.1% graduation rate. American Public University System at $9,104 net delivers the highest graduate earnings at $76,460, but also saddles students with $23,688 average debt, requiring careful cost-benefit analysis.

What regional factors influence fire protection program selection and outcomes?

Western states show varied approaches, with Utah Valley University emphasizing broad emergency management at $8,463 net cost while California schools focus on urban fire science applications. Southeastern programs like Fayetteville State University prepare graduates for both municipal departments and industrial facilities, reflected in higher average earnings of $69,338. Geographic proximity to major metropolitan areas, military installations, or industrial complexes often determines both program focus and graduate employment opportunities in specialized fire protection roles.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.